Type: Trail, Loop/Out-and-back
Difficulty: 6 / 10
Altitude: 1,143 ft
Elev. Gain/Loss: 2,088 ft / 2,088 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Unknown
Filed Under: Hiking, Running
Of all the trails to run in the Atlanta metro area, this is probably the nicest. Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield is a national park that was developed to preserve a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. I did the 16 mile loop, but there are all kinds of different routes you can take to vary the distance. Stop by the visitors information center for maps and information.
The day I was there was the day after Christmas (Sunday), so it was crowded in the parking lot. I had to park along Stilesboro Road. The trails were not that crowded since the visitors are spread out over the 2,884 acre park.
The trails are mostly hard-packed dirt and gravel. There are a few technical sections where you may have to jump some rocks and roots, but not too many. The trail consists of mostly rolling hills with one short/steep section that goes around the mountain that may require walking. There are several sections where you will be entering an open field, which is rather beautiful. I saw several deer in the open fields. There are two spots on the trail where you will cross a creek on a wooden bridge. If you aren't running too fast, you'll see several monuments and even some authentic cannons.
Caution to those of you who want to run this course: Do not make the mistake I made and go up Kennesaw mountain rather than around it. You will be forced to a walking/hiking pace once you start to ascend the mountain. It is roughly a 20 to 25% grade or about 100 feet climb for every .1 mile. The trail at this point is not very easy to follow. There are many large rocks and roots. Ask the person at the visitors center to show you on the map how to avoid climbing the mountain. Next time I visit I will certainly make sure I go around the mountain.
Overall, the course is magnificent. I will definitely be going back. Check out http://www.nps.gov/kemo/index.htm for maps and other details.
Take I-75 to exit 269 (Barrett Parkway). At the light turn West onto Barrett Parkway. Travel down Barrett Parkway for approximately 3 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well.
Posted by: seilogramp and last modified on Feb 02, 2006 by thoos
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