Hardage Mill and Noses Creek Trail Loop

While some parts, like the Noses Creek Trail, are quite easy and feel like a neighborhood walk, the overall loop is considered moderate. This is primarily due to the Hardage Mill Trail section, which includes a significant climb with an average grade of 13% and a notably steep downhill stretch averaging 27% grade over 200 feet.

The Hardage Mill and Noses Creek Trail Loop is approximately 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles) long. Depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or historical markers, most hikers complete it in about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

The primary access point for this trail is the Pigeon Hill Parking Lot, located on Burnt Hickory Road within Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. From the parking lot, you can easily find the start of the loop.

Yes, a parking fee is required at the Pigeon Hill Parking Lot. As the trail is located within Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, there are no specific hiking permits needed beyond the parking fee.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails within Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, including this loop. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

The terrain varies significantly. The Noses Creek Trail is generally wide, smooth, and follows an old dirt road through a ravine. In contrast, the Hardage Mill Trail is more rugged, featuring a substantial climb and a very steep descent. The entire route is mostly wooded, offering natural scenery.

As part of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, the trail passes through areas significant to the 1864 Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. You can observe remnants of this history, including old trenches and artillery batteries. The route also goes by Pigeon Hill, a historical site.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while fall offers beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, so an early start is recommended. Winter hikes are also pleasant, often with fewer crowds and clearer views through the trees.

Yes, the route utilizes sections of several official trails within the park. You'll be hiking on parts of the Hardage Mill Trail and the Noses Creek Trail, and it also briefly intersects with the East Trail and Pigeon Hill Trail.

The Hardage Mill Trail includes a notably steep downhill section. If you prefer to tackle the steepest part as an ascent rather than a descent, consider hiking the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. This allows you to climb the steepest grade, which some hikers find easier than descending it.

The wooded environment of the park is home to various wildlife. Deer are commonly sighted along the trail. You might also spot different bird species and smaller woodland creatures.