Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield - Full Loop (Camino Training Hike 6)

As several of us are going to be hiking the Camino Portugués in the late spring and with numerous back to back to back big mileage days included in that journey, I thought it would be a good idea to plan a series of training hikes in preparation. These hikes are intended to be big mileage, but with only low to moderate elevation gain. While this series of hikes is intended for those training for the Camino, anyone is welcome to participate, assuming you are up to the challenge.

Most of you know my practices for hikes, but I'll repeat them here. This is NOT a guided hike and you are responsible for your own well-being and ability to complete the hike within the listed time. These are big mileage hikes at a brisk pace and if you don't hike regularly, I would strongly recommend against your participation.

We will be departing the trailhead at the posted time. Do not expect the group to wait for you if you are running late, though you are welcome to try and catch up with the group.

I will be monitoring the weather closely as the day of the hike approaches and will likely cancel in the case of inclement weather. This decision will generally be made the night before the hike and post accordingly. You should check this posting prior to leaving for the trailhead.

Now onto the details of this specific training hike:

We will hike approximately 17.5-miles gaining and loosing 2,200+ of elevation as we hike around the full loop trail of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (including Kennesaw and Little Kennesaw Mountains). This should not be a terribly difficult trail, but it is a LONG one and we will be hiking between 2.5 - 3 mph. There are a number of bail out points for those that don't want to do the entire loop, but for those that are up to the challenge, 17.5 miles are waiting for you! We'll find an appropriate spot around noon for a short lunch stop.

We'll meet at the Visitor's Center at 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr (there is an overflow parking lot nearby if necessary)

To reach the trail head (33.983795, -84.578343):

• From I-75 N, take the exit for Canton Road Connector (Exit 267B)
• After 0.3 miles, take a sharp right onto Church Street Ext NW
• Follow for 0.6 miles and then take a left onto Old 41 Hwy NW
• At 1.2 miles, turn left onto Stilesboro Rd NW
• Take the first left into the parking area

NOTE: The National Park Service charges $5 per vehicle or accepts the America the Beautiful Parks Pass