10 Mile Hike @ Kennesaw Mountain

Join me Sunday morning for a long hike at Kennesaw Mountain National Park.

You need to have recent AOC D4 or D5 hiking experience! We will start at the Visitor's Center

Please note that the group will spread out depending on the experience level and the speed of the individual hiker. This hike is designed so you can walk with the group or by yourself. If you sign up, you should be comfortable to hike at a moderate pace (2.5 - 2.7 mph) in order to complete the hike within the time specified.

We will start at the Visitor's Center and hike across Big and Little Kennesaw Mountains down to Burnt Hickory Road (3 miles). There, we turn around and go back the same way we came. When you are back at the Visitor's Center (6 miles), you may take a short rest before heading back up Big Kennesaw Mountain and over Little Kennesaw mountain - all the way to the 2 mile marker (8 miles). That is the point where you can turn around and return to the Visitor's Center again by going back over Big Kennesaw Mountain one last time (10 miles).

Please be aware that this hike has over 3,000 ft elevation gain. So, please be sure that you are fit enough for this hike. However, if during the hike you feel you cannot complete the total 10 miles, you are welcome to turn around and return to the visitor's center. Just let me know. In order to get credit for the hike, however, you will have to hike all of the 10 miles!

Please arrive with enough time to account for possibly having to park at the overflow parking lot or get your parking pass. It takes about 10-12 minutes to walk from the big parking lot to the visitor's center. We will start the hike on time.

Directions and Parking:

1) I-75 North to exit 267B Hwy 5 Canton Road Connector

2) If you are not heading west after getting off of the Interstate you are going the wrong way. You should be heading towards US 41 and downtown Marietta after getting off of I-75 onto the Canton Road Connector and see Kennesaw Mountain on your right.

3) You will be tempted to take the first exit off of the Canton Road Connector which is US 41, but do not take it. Proceed over US 41 on a bridge staying on the Canton Road Connector.

4) After crossing US 41 take a right at the first redlight which is Church Street Extension.

5) You should cross railroad tracks soon.

6) Take a left onto Old 41 at the second redlight. If you get to US 41 again, you have missed the turn onto Old 41 so turn around.

7) Stay on Old US 41 until you pass in front of the mountain and park on the right-hand side of the road (or in the new parking lot on the left) after passing the redlight for Stilesboro Road.

FYI: The new parking lot - approximately 270 spaces, is now open but parking on Old Highway 41 is not yet closed. Park by Old Highway 41 or in this new parking lot - whichever you feel more comfortable with.

8) Last resort / panic mode / all available parking spaces have been taken: When this happens, here is where to park - Turn around and head back in front of the mountain on Old 41. Take the first left which is White Circle Road. Take the first right which is White Road Court. Park on the side of the road.

There is a $5.00 parking fee

Please make sure that you have ample time to walk from the overflow parking lot to the visitor's center (8 min) in order to be on time for the hike. We will not wait for latecomers, but call me in case you encounter troubles finding a parking spot.

Bathroom facilities are available at the visitor's center which opens the outer doors at 7:30

Link to the trail map http://www.nps.gov/kemo/planyourvisit/upload/KEMO%20trail%20map.pdf

Hike will be cancelled when weather is bad.