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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a nice short mountain hike just NW of Atlanta in a NPS Battlefield Park. The trail climbs fairly sharply from the visitor center, levels off at a roadbed and then climbs the rest of the way to the top of Kennesaw Mountain. The mountain top offers great views of Cobb County and Atlanta to the south, and Kennesaw and beyond to the north. Winter is the best time for the view. Soldiers have etched their names in the rocks at the top during the Civil War. Along the way you will see the old earthworks, or the trench that runs the length of the mountain. The defenders of the mountain dug this trench for their defensive line. The trail crosses the line in the flat roadbed near where it turns back up the mountain again. There are several cannons on display at the top. Early on Sunday, birdwatchers walk the road and trail looking for the diverse array of birds along the way. The Visitor Center has a lot of historical information. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Trailhead: From I-75, Exit 269 Barrett Parkway. Go SW past Hwy 41 (N. Cobb Pky) to Old Highway 41. Turn left and go to Stilesboro Road. Turn right and then left into the Visitor Center. You can also exit 267B onto Canton Connector. Exit quickly to Hwy 41. Turn right onto 41 and then left onto Bells Ferry Road. Turn right on Old Hwy 41 and go to Stilesboro Road. Turn left and then left into the Visitor Center. If the Visitor Center parking lot is full you can park on Stilesboro road in several areas. Kennesaw is VERY busy on the weekends. The trailhead is just past the visitor center just up the hill and beyond the road that goes up the mountain. The mountain road is closed on weekends. (Lat:33.98314 Lon:-84.57846) Trail Guides for Kennesaw Mtn Main Trail (from Visitor Center): Delorme Georgia Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme (Delorme Publishing Company) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Kennesaw NPS Visitor Center Phone 770-427-4686 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by mtn-man (Greg), who has posted 1 other hike on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Bob on 1/26/2007 Kennesaw Mt. is my favorite hiking destination mainly because I only live about two miles from the trails. While I do make long treks from visitors center to Dallas Hy. via Burnt Hickory, most of the time I go up big Kennesaw early in the morning while it is still dark, usually around 5:00am. I have made this hike so many times, I don't need to use a flashlight anymore. Besides, theres enough light from all the development surrounding the mountain you don't need a flashlight! Trails are starting to show there wear from the hords that use it everyday.
Reviewed by Heidi on 2/23/2006 I hike this park with my dog. We both love it. There are a number of trial choices. The usual is south from Burnt Hickory to the first trail offshoot to your right - it runs down the old mill that lies near the creek. The creek is usually running very clear and cold. It's a nice destination in the summer when the heat can be OPPRESSIVE. The trail runs along the creek and connects with the main trail which continues further south to Kolbs Farm. Plenty of wildlife. Many deer on this trail. Another side hike is off Burnt Hickory south,take the trail going up to the left. It circles back & crosses Burnt Hickory, heading towards Kennesaw Mtn. First side trail on the left will take you to Pigeon Hill-, straight on goes to mtn. NICE!!
Reviewed by Donna G on 6/22/2005 Correction to the previous review: on Hike # 3, coming back up from Burnt Hickory, just at the start of going up little Kennesaw, you'll be looking for a small trail to the RIGHT (not left) to connect back to the road/path that will lead you to the Visitor's center the back way...enjoy beautiful Kennesaw Mountain!
Reviewed by Donna on 6/22/2005 4 ways I generally hike Kennesaw, depending on how out of shape I am. Easiest is to cross the battlefield from the back of Visitor's center to the woods, and take the back way almost all the way to Burnt Hickory, coming back the same way. #2 same start, but shortly before Burnt H., take a right into the woods to come up the back of Little Kennesaw to Kennesaw and back down to the Center. # 3 Up Kennesaw from the V.Center, hike to Burnt H.,coming back as if coming back the same way you went, but take a left before you start back uphill on the little trail that will take you back to the Center the back way. # 4,if you're feeling feisty, up Kennesaw from the Center, to B.Hickory and back the same way. Beautiful ALL SEASONS!!!!!
Reviewed by Diane on 5/7/2005 This site has enough diversity to suit anyone from avid hiker to weekend athlete. The entrance on Burnt Hickory Road offers more challenge with narrow, winding trails and wonderful natural scenery. It is more of an "off-the-beaten-path" hike and always enjoyable.
Reviewed by Monroe on 2/17/2005 There tends to be a lot of traffic on the main trail up to the mountain top. That's whay I usually take the trail around the base of the mountain and then come up the back side, which is a little more adventurous and strenuous due to the rugged terrain and steep incline on the back of the mountain. Something for everyone, from a bus ride to the top to a full day of hiking. 
Reviewed by Tony on 11/12/2004 There are 10 miles + of hiking trails at Kennesaw Mountain and it is one of the best hiking areas in Metro Atlanta if you don't want to drive all the way to the North Georgia Mountains. I have made the hike up to the top of Kennesaw Mountain many times and it is fairly strenuous, but not too bad. If you feel like walking farther, instead of turning around at the top, keep going straight and follow that trail. But get a trail map and have lots of fun like I did. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Georgia Hiking, Georgia Trails, Georgia Hikes, Cobb County Hiking, Cobb County Trails, Cobb County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||