Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park offers a unique blend of history and nature, sprawled over 2,923 acres and encompassing more than 18 miles of trails that connect Kolb’s Farm in Marietta to the visitor center in Kennesaw. This park, a witness to some of the fiercest fighting during the Georgia Campaign of the Civil War, has become a favorite for both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.
Exploring the Trails
If you like a good hike, Kennesaw Mountain will not disappoint. Trails here range from leisurely strolls to heart-pumping climbs, including the popular hike to the top of Kennesaw Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 1,800 feet. From the summit, hikers are treated to spectacular views of downtown Atlanta and the surrounding landscape—the perfect reward for a little sweat and effort.
| Trail Segments | East Trail | West Trail |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Center to Mountain Top | – | 1.0 mi |
| Visitor Center to Burnt Hickory Rd | 2.7 mi | 2.8 mi |
| Burnt Hickory Rd to Dallas Hwy | 1.5 mi | 2.2 mi |
| Dallas Hwy to Cheatham Hill Lot | 0.7 mi | 0.7 mi |
| Cheatham Hill to Kolb Farm | 2.5 mi | 2.8 mi |
| Loop Trails | East & West Trail |
|---|---|
| Visitor Center to Mountain Top | 2.0 mi |
| Visitor Center to Pigeon Hill | 5.4 mi |
| Visitor Center to Cheatham Hill | 10.2 mi |
| Visitor Center to Kolb Farm | 16.2 mi |
| Burnt Hickory to Dallas Hwy | 3.7 mi |
| Cheatham Hill to Kolb Farm | 5.5 mi |
For those looking to soak up both scenery and history, Kennesaw Mountain’s trails feature numerous markers that highlight key moments of the Atlanta Campaign. Many visitors enjoy following the park brochure’s driving tour, with several stops where you can step out, walk, and truly grasp the scale of the events that took place here.
Historical Significance
The park is home to the site of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, a pivotal confrontation during the Civil War. Union and Confederate forces clashed here in June 1864, resulting in heavy casualties and marking a key turning point in the fight for Atlanta. Today, the battlefield is preserved to help visitors reflect on this significant chapter of American history. The Visitor Center provides an excellent introduction to the events leading up to the battle, featuring a 35-minute film, Kennesaw: One Last Mountain, that uses authentic battle recreations to bring the conflict vividly to life.
For those interested in diving deeper into the history, the park’s museum—recently renovated—is filled with artifacts, exhibits, and insights into the military, medical, and civilian lives of the era. The living history demonstrations on weekends also provide a vivid glimpse into the past, with reenactors showcasing everything from medical practices to artillery drills.
Visitor Information and Operating Hours
The Visitor Center at Kennesaw Mountain is located at 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive and is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, though it is closed on major holidays. If you’re thinking of visiting, it’s wise to plan ahead. The park is a day-use area only, and closing times for the various parking lots and mountain road vary based on the season.
During weekends, the mountain road is closed to personal vehicles, but visitors can catch a free shuttle bus to the top, offering another opportunity to appreciate the vistas without the uphill trek. If you’re visiting during peak times or on federal holidays, make sure to check the bus schedule ahead of time.
Outdoor Adventures Beyond History
Beyond its historical aspects, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is also a fantastic place for outdoor activities. Birdwatchers, grab your binoculars! Designated as Georgia’s first Important Bird Area, the park offers a chance to spot neotropical migrants like vireos and warblers. Horseback riders can enjoy some of the trails between Kolb’s Farm and Kennesaw Avenue, although riders need to bring their own horses as none are available for rental on-site.
For those who enjoy quieter pursuits, there are picnic benches throughout the park—an ideal spot to relax, have lunch, and soak up the natural surroundings. And don’t forget to pack that sunscreen!
Safety and Park Regulations
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, keep a few rules in mind: pets are welcome, but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Metal detecting, relic hunting, and removing artifacts are strictly prohibited—every piece of history is a valuable part of the park’s story, and removing it diminishes the experience for future visitors.
Finally, while Kennesaw Mountain offers spectacular beauty and history, remember it’s still part of nature’s unpredictable landscape. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out and plan accordingly—the temperatures at the top of the mountain can be noticeably cooler than those at the base, particularly in the fall and winter months.
Admission:
Free park admission, parking is $5
Hours:
The park is open from dawn to dusk year round.
The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Address:
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr.
Kennesaw, GA 30152
Phone:
(770) 427-4686
One Last Mountain: A Battlefield That’s Much More
The film Kennesaw: One Last Mountain, narrated by Emmy Award-winning Peter Coyote, uses authentic battle recreations and firsthand accounts to vividly portray one of the most dramatic stories of the Civil War. With just ‘one last mountain’ standing in William Sherman’s path to Atlanta, the pressure has reached an all-time high. This film screens daily at the park’s Visitor Center, and is available to view online below.
Trail Map
