Kennesaw Mountain Start of Summer Hike

Enjoy this invigorating 6 mi. hike in a warm Summer day. The temperature will be in mid 80's. during the day.

We will meet at the visitor's center at 7:45 am. to introduce ourselves and get ready to start this beautiful hike at 8 o'clock. I suggest carpooling to save time looking for parking and gas, at the same time you save the planet while enjoying the company of those who carpool with you.

Please make arrangements to be there on-time, as we will not wait for late arrivals.

This hike provides plenty of elevation changes and beautiful views of the surrounding area, including downtown Atlanta on clear days.

We will start ascending the mountain, to cross both Kennesaw and Little Kennesaw Mountains, and traverse Pigeon Hill to end at Burnt Hickory Rd. When we arrive there, we will take a rest and enjoy our snaks and picture time. We will return the way we came, for a total of six miles.

- Intended for intermediate to advanced hikers with prior D3/D4 hiking experience.  This is not a beginner hike or a sprint race.

There is a new parking lot on old US Hwy 41, or you may be lucky to find a space in the main visitor's center parking lot, Please allow 10 or more minutes for parking and getting to the visitor's center, as the main lot is usually full.

(Thanks to Eva de Vallescar for the photo and Clay White for the map, which he took from Danny Llewallyn).

Directions to Kennesaw Mountain.

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 traffic signal which is Church Street Extension.

5) You should cross railroad tracks soon.

6) Take a left onto Old 41 at the second traffic signal. 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 in the newer parking lot on the left after passing the traffic signal for Stilesboro Road. 

FYI: The newer parking lot - approximately 270 spaces, is open but parking on Old Highway 41 is now off-limits due to construction.

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.

Dogs are allowed on the trails in the park but must remain on a leash and under the owner's control at all times for the safety of visitors and the dogs themselves. Pet owners are required to clean after their dogs and dispose of the waste properly to help protect the environment.

No cost.