Kennesaw Mountain, a D3 rated hike

We will meet at the Visitor Center entrance facing the parking lot. Allow yourself time to walk from the overflow lot and arrive at the Visitor Center about 10 minutes early. We will hike over Big Kennesaw mountain to the summit of Little Kennesaw mountain. We will not go to the two mile marker. You can hike at your own pace, but you must be able to complete the hike in 2 hours and 30 minutes which will enable a moderate pace uphill and a faster pace downhill. We will regroup on the summit of Little Kennesaw Mountain and return to the Visitor Center the same way. The distance is approximately 3½  miles and the elevation gain is approximately 1,200 feet. Although the distance is not substantial, there is significant elevation gain which makes this a low level D3 hike. If you have completed a few D2 hikes and would like to try a D3 hike then this would be a good opportunity. When we return to the Visitor Center the AOC hike ends, however I will hike over Big and Little Kennesaw again to the 2 or 3 mile marker. Anyone who wants to continue hiking is welcome to join and go as far as you want.      

There are no restroom facilities beyond the Visitor Center.

The Park Service requires that dogs be on a leash at all times.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battleffield Park, 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr., Kennesaw, GA 30152

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 then turn left at the redlight and park in the main visitor center lot if you can.  If full head back out to Old 41, take a left and park in the overflow parking lot farther down the road on the left.