Kennesaw Mountain on the 5’s

We will begin check in for the event at 5:00pm. At that time you are welcome to head out on the trail. The last start time will be 5:15pm. If your able to maintain a moderate pace prepare to start closer to 5:00pm. The faster you are the closer to 5:15pm you can comfortably head out before it gets to dark.

We don't want to require head lamps or flash lights but it's highly recommended. The darkness falls on you much quicker than you realize. As we all know the rocks and roots on the trail do come up and grab you as the sun goes down.

This is a "go at your own pace" hike. If your faster or slower than the group you may be hiking alone so be prepared. Maps are available on Kennesaw Mountain's WEB site.

After introductions (if you are new) and a quick briefing (e.g. Go to Burnt Hickory and back, perhaps) we will ascend the 1.2 miles to the 1808 foot top of Big Kennesaw Mountain which is a climb of 657 feet. From there we will drop down about 500 feet to the gap between Big Kennesaw and Little Kennesaw Mountain, up and over the hump in the middle which is about a 20 foot climb heading towards Little Kennesaw and about a 50 foot climb heading back, then down to the base of Little Kennesaw.  From there it's about a 300 foot climb to the top of  Little Kennesaw at 1601 feet.  Then we'll head down the other side of Little Kennesaw to Burnt Hickory for a short break (5 seconds maybe).  After that we'll head back the same way we came.

The total distance is ~6.0 miles if you count to and from the Visitors Center. The faster you do this hike the more strenuous and heart pumping it becomes. So make it a moderate paced hike or run if you desire.

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.

Meet prior to 6:00 PM at the cannon outside the main entrance of the visitor's center or just inside the lobby.  Call the trip leader if you are running late, but please note that we won't wait on you.  You will have to try and catch up with the group if you arrive late.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTES:

1) The hike will start as close to on time as possible, so please plan on meeting prior to the start time to sign in.

2) Allow 5 - 10 minutes to walk from the new parking lot to the visitors center in the event that the main parking lot is full.

3) Account for potentially bad traffic.  This bites people every time and makes them late.

Please keep in mind this is a difficult Hike with a fast moving group. If you are questioning your physcial ability, this hike may not be for you.

No cost.

This is a rain or shine hike