Kennesaw Mountain V2.0 - 7 Miles with Extra Elevation

We will go up and over Big Kennesaw and Little Kennesaw, then continue to the 2.5 mile marker. Then we will turn around and retrace our steps, going over Little Kennesaw and Big Kennesaw again. Once we get back to the beginning of the trail, we will turn around again and hike back up Big Kennesaw to the 1 mile marker, then turn around and come back down for a total of 7 miles and lots of elevation (about 2,000 feet).

Please note that we will be staying together as a group for the first 5 miles of the hike. Once we head back up Big Kennesaw for the second time, everyone can go at their own pace. So this is mostly not a self-paced hike.

This is a challenging hike due to the elevation gains, the somewhat faster pace, and the rocky terrain. We will be averaging a little faster than 2.5 mph, so you need to be able to maintain a solid pace with minimal breaks in order to keep up with the group. You should have recent D4 or strong D3 experience to participate in this hike. If you do not have this experience with the AOC, please email the trip leader with information about your recent hikes. If the trip leader does not hear from you, you will be moved to the waiting list.

Also, if this hike is too easy/too slow for you, perhaps consider putting some weight in your backpack. :)

Please note that Kennesaw requires a $5 Daily Pass or a $40 Annual Pass, which can be purchased in the Visitor's Center, at an automated machine in the parking lot, or online. America the Beautiful National Parks Passes also can be used at Kennesaw.

https://www.nps.gov/kemo/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Bathrooms and water fountains are available in the Visitor's Center.

We will start the hike promptly at 8:15am, so please arrive 10 minutes early for socializing and introductions before the hike. Also, please allow extra time if you need to purchase a parking pass or use the bathroom.

We will meet by the cannon in front of the Visitor's Center.

After the hike, I spend about 15 minutes stretching. You are welcome to join me if you would like. It feels great to stretch out after this hike.

900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30152

From I-75 North:

Take exit 267B onto SR-5 Spur South toward US-41, Marietta

Turn right onto Church Street Extension NE

Turn left onto Old US-41 Hwy NW

Turn left onto Stilesboro Rd NW

Turn left into the Visitor's Center parking lot.

Note that if the visitor center lot is full, you can park in the overflow parking lot, which is about a 1/4 mile farther north on Old US-41 just west of Stilesboro Rd. The address of that lot is 1200 Old US 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152.

We will meet by the cannon in front of the Visitor's Center.

Please allow extra time in case you have to park in the overflow parking lot and walk back to the Visitor's Center. See the Directions for more information about that lot.