View Full Version : Kennesaw Mountain, GA
AbeHikes
02-18-2006, 19:00
Anyone else use Kennesaw Mountain in GA to stay in shape? I was there today... wind, rain, everything. Felt good. The entire loop is 16 miles or roughly the distance equivialent of ASP to Springer and back, but not nearly as challenging from an elevation perspective. Only about 4 miles of it are uphill/downhill... from the Visitors Center and Big Kennesaw to Burnt Hickory Rd (other side of Pigeon Hill). That's all I did today... over and back. The rest of it pretty much rolls... a nice leisurely outing.
http://www.nps.gov/kemo/
http://www.nps.gov/kemo/pphtml/maps.html
Had a shining little moment today when I gave some out-of-towners directions on the trail. Looked like they were training up for a hike with packs, poles, and all. Was nice to be able to help them meet up with their party. Saw them on the other side with their friends and got a thanks.
I work closely with Richard Angeli who heads up the Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club. The club is always looking for new volunteers, so if you live near the park and have some time to give back, it would be a great way to get involved. With 1.5 million visitors annually, the trails get pretty hammered.
http://kemotrailcorps.org/
Tim Rich
02-18-2006, 19:09
Anyone else use Kennesaw Mountain in GA to stay in shape? I was there today... wind, rain, everything. Felt good. The entire loop is 16 miles or roughly the distance equivialent of ASP to Springer and back, but not nearly as challenging from an elevation perspective. Only about 4 miles of it are uphill/downhill... from the Visitors Center and Big Kennesaw to Burnt Hickory Rd (other side of Pigeon Hill). That's all I did today... over and back. The rest of it pretty much rolls... a nice leisurely outing.
http://www.nps.gov/kemo/
http://www.nps.gov/kemo/pphtml/maps.html
Had a shining little moment today when I gave some out-of-towners directions on the trail. Looked like they were training up for a hike with packs, poles, and all. Was nice to be able to help them meet up with their party. Saw them on the other side with their friends and got a thanks.
Although it's just a few miles down Stilesboro Road from me, I don't get there as often as I like. You're right, the up and over the main mountain is the primary pull. It's a jewel and an oasis in ever building west Cobb.
Take Care,
Tim
Footslogger
02-18-2006, 20:37
When I lived back in Georgia (Marietta) that was one of my regular Sunday morning outings ...when I wasn't out on somewhere on the AT. Lots of loop options and hike distances. Good place to get in shape for a thru-hike.
'Slogger
AbeHikes
02-18-2006, 20:48
I work closely with Richard Angeli who heads up the Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club. The club is always looking for new volunteers, so if you live near the park and have some time to give back, it would be a great way to get involved. With 1.5 million visitors annually, the trails get pretty hammered.
http://kemotrailcorps.org/
Was looking at the information they had posted at the Visitor's Center today... again. Might have to give Richard a shout.
AbeHikes
02-18-2006, 20:57
Joined the Yahoo Group.
Joined the Yahoo Group.
Thanks Abe. Richard is a dedicated volunteer who is currently the Georgia State Advocate for Leave No Trace. He also plans to thru-hike the AT in '07. I know that he would appreciate any helping hand you can lend, even if its just a few hours here & there.
boomerang
02-19-2006, 00:08
AbeHikes, I ran from Burnt Hickory Rd. down to Kolb Farm and back this morning...so maybe we crossed paths! Monday I'm running up and over Pigeon Hill, Little K., and Big K (no, not the really, really Big K). Lots of fun to be had there...even in the cold and rain!
AbeHikes
02-19-2006, 14:18
Ah, you went in the opposite direction from me. Tomorrow you'll be running what I hiked. We'll have to come up with secret hand-sign so when we're there at the same time we don't have to ask everyone we pass if we are... "we".
orangebug
02-21-2006, 11:33
I used Kennestone Mtn for rehab after back surgery. My favorite loop was from the Vistor's Center, up and over the mountain, down to Burnt Hickory and back around the trail curving along the base of the mountain. Frequently, I'd run into folks doing trail maintenance/relo, or training for hikes in their packs. I learned I definitely do NOT have a trail dog, as my boxer didn't like the rocks and dirt.
There are other good loops, primarily for strollers or runners, south of Burnt Hickory down to Kolb Farm. There are great markers commemorating blunders of the Civil War.
scothiker
02-21-2006, 13:05
I've hiked Kennesaw many times and find it a good way to keep in shape when I don't have time to get up to the AT or elsewhere. I've met others, with full packs, training for the AT and, one time, Mt. Rainier. I find the climb from the Visitor's Center to the summit pretty challenging, and the trail from the summit to Burnt Hickory, while not so challenging elevation-wise, is very rocky and so is also good training.
Also, it is beautiful! The section from Little Kennesaw summit to Burnt Hickory goes through a gorge and lots of rock formations, really interesting. I see hawks all the time, and in the summer, all kinds of butterflies and lizards; twice I've seen deer so tame they practically walk right up to you - which I understand is a fairly common occurrence.
I've meant to check out the trail maintenance since Kennesaw has given me so much, and hope to get a chance to do so very soon. Highly recommend this trail to satisfy your hiking jones when you're short on time!