The Kennesaw Mountain loop is an 11 mile, encompassing loop, around the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield park.

The trail follows a path around the park, starting at the visitors center with a museum and park store. the Hike begins up the larger Kennesaw Mountain with a switchback trail up the mountain, it's important to note that for this leg that there is a public road up the mountain that you will cross on your way to the summit. the larger peak is a bit of a "touristy" location and about 85% of the way up you will intercept the road at it's conclusion. from there the trail is paved and it's not uncommon to see large amounts of tourists and locals at the summit of Big Kennesaw. 

you will continue on the same trail past the peak at a steep, switchback, dirt trail with notable rock formations to be wary of until you once again intercept the service road. from that point on the journey to the summit of little Kennesaw is relatively isolated and peaceful. most tourists and families avoid little Kennesaw due to the lack of available parking on the safer northern approach, however, experienced backpackers, hikers, and trailrunners will find a leisurely hike from the north approach. 

However, the hike from the south approach is hands down the most dangerous section of the Kennesaw mountain loop, the Little Kennesaw trail, or the park in general. The hike southward, which most hikers on the loop will take down the mountain, is, again, a switchback trail but is not only steeper, ut also cuts through large boulders and a rock field, you are often left just inches away from a nasty fall as the trail isn't wide enough for more than one person. 

My trekking poles saved me on more than one occasion here.

After the Little Kennesaw descent, the hike is relatively tame, pigeon hill is a cakewalk compared to the rest of the mountain, and the return via the Camp Brumby Trail is effectively a service road for ATV's, Cyclists, and Equestrians. 

For this hike, bring water; it gets oppressively hot in the summers here, and the climb is no joke even in the fall when I last went. Trekking poles are recommended (mine saved my life) but not required for experienced enough hikers. remember that the NPS heavily discourages going too far off trail for whatever reason and will fine hikers who ignore signage. camping within the park is prohibited and overnight parking is not available to my knowledge so aim for this hike to take about a day (that's how long it took me).

And always remember to have fun, obey park rules, follow local laws, and enjoy yourself.

see you on trail - Joe