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A short loop over both Kennesaw Mountain and Little Kennesaw, and then back along the base of the mountain.


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Map Key

5.2

Miles

8.4

KM

Point to Point

1,791' 546 m

High

1,149' 350 m

Low

954' 291 m

Up

935' 285 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This is a shorter version of the 9-mile Kennesaw Mountain Loop, reduced to just over 5 miles. It starts with a steep uphill climb to the scenic and historic Kennesaw Mountain peak, continues through rocky terrain to the Little Kennesaw peak, then drops down to the base of the mountain for a nearly flat return.

Description

From the visitor center, look for the well-marked trail to Kennesaw Mountain Trail. The first mile, which is mostly uphill, is the most populated section of trail, with lots of visitors going up and returning down this stretch. At the summit, enjoy broad views of the surrounding landscape. Civil War plaques and cannons commemorate the Atlanta Campaign of 1864.

Enjoy scenic views, rock outcroppings, and a variety of flora while descending the backside of Kennesaw Mountain, hiking through a saddle and then up to the top of Little Kennesaw Mountain, which also displays cannons from the Civil War.

The hike down the southern side of Little Kennesaw Trail is both the most scenic and the most technical portion of the trail. Take your time and watch your footing. The rock piles and boulders make this landscape interesting. Remember to pause occasionally to enjoy the views.

As soon as you hit the flat terrain past Little Kennesaw, look for a left turn onto the Camp Brumby Connector, which will then hit Camp Brumby Trail proper.

Once on the Camp Brumby Trail, your tired legs get to enjoy a much flatter stretch of the hike, winding through the forest and even past a few large homes. Pass Camp Brumby Loop Trail, a CCC site that housed workers who built trails and signs, planted trees, etc. Continue north and follow signs to the visitor center.

Flora & Fauna

Springtime brings wildflowers and the summer canopy is lush and green. Fall colors are spectacular, with particularly striking red sumacs brightening the surroundings. In winter, the landscape affords more clear vistas. Wildlife includes deer, wild turkey, squirrels, and snakes.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike B

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 9 votes

#3697

Overall
  4.0 from 9 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
11%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#64

in Georgia

#3,697

Overall
6 Views Last Month
1,330 Since Dec 25, 2017
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Taking a break at the top.
May 2, 2018 near Marietta, GA
Cannon with wildflowers.
Oct 15, 2016 near Marietta, GA
View from Little Kennesaw Mountain.
Oct 15, 2016 near Marietta, GA
Canon on Kennesaw Mountain
Mar 23, 2018 near Marietta, GA
Cannon on Little Kennesaw mountain.
Oct 15, 2016 near Marietta, GA
Rocks on Little Kennesaw Mountain.
Oct 15, 2016 near Marietta, GA

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Check-Ins

Dec 17, 2024
Anonymous
Apr 20, 2024
Harold Bolich
5.3mi — 1h 59m
Oct 9, 2022
Lauren C
Mar 11, 2021
Connor M
Nice climb to the main summit and then the trail is in good shape the rest of the way around. 5.2mi — 11h 30m
Mar 11, 2021
Andie Malone
Perfect day hike! 4.4mi — 1h 33m
Sep 6, 2020
Arianna Brisley
May 25, 2020
Jarrod Vega
Dec 14, 2019
Magdiel Marquez
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