Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

How to Get There

From Atlanta, GA (25 mi): Take I-75 N to exit 269 for Barrett Parkway. Turn left onto Barrett Parkway, then right onto Old 41 Highway. Follow signs to the park entrance at Kennesaw Mountain Drive.

Overview

The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves the site of a pivotal Civil War battle fought during the Atlanta Campaign in 1864. Spanning nearly 3,000 acres, the park features over 18 miles of interpretive trails, historic earthworks, and monuments that commemorate the fierce fighting between Union and Confederate forces. The visitor center offers exhibits, a short film, and a museum that contextualizes the battle’s significance in the broader scope of the war. The park’s namesake mountain rises 1,808 feet above sea level, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and a tangible sense of the terrain’s strategic importance.

Beyond its historical significance, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can hike to the summit, explore wooded trails, or take a shuttle to the top on weekends. Wildlife is abundant, and the park is a renowned birdwatching destination. Educational programs, living history events, and ranger-led tours are offered throughout the year, making Kennesaw Mountain a dynamic blend of natural beauty and historical reflection. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of soldiers or enjoying a peaceful walk through Georgia’s rolling hills, the park offers a meaningful and memorable experience.

Things to Do

Explore a Significant Civil War Battlefield

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves one of the largest and best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the Southeast. The park commemorates the June 1864 Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, a major engagement during General William T. Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. Visitors can explore historic battlefields, earthworks, monuments, and interpretive sites that tell the story of this pivotal campaign.

Hike to the Summit of Kennesaw Mountain

One of the park's most popular activities is hiking to the summit of Kennesaw Mountain. The mountaintop offers spectacular panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline, surrounding mountains, and the battlefield below. The summit provides an excellent perspective on the terrain that influenced the battle's outcome.

Visit the Visitor Center and Museum

The visitor center features exhibits, artifacts, maps, and a film that explain the history of the Atlanta Campaign and the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the military strategies, soldiers, and events that shaped the conflict.

See Historic Earthworks and Battle Positions

Throughout the park, visitors can view well-preserved Confederate earthworks, artillery positions, and battlefield landscapes. These features provide a tangible connection to the soldiers who fought here and help illustrate the challenges both armies faced during the campaign.

Enjoy Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife Viewing

In addition to its historical significance, the park offers opportunities for hiking, running, birdwatching, photography, and nature observation. Forested trails pass through diverse habitats that support deer, songbirds, and other native wildlife.

Top Trails

Kennesaw Mountain Trail

Length: Approximately 2.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

This popular trail climbs from the visitor center to the summit of Kennesaw Mountain. Along the route, hikers enjoy scenic forest views, historic markers, and rewarding panoramic views from the mountaintop.

Pigeon Hill Trail

Length: Approximately 3.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

This trail explores a section of the battlefield where Union forces launched attacks against Confederate positions. Interpretive signs and preserved earthworks provide insight into the fierce fighting that occurred in this area.

Cheatham Hill Trail

Length: Approximately 2.6 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal to Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

This trail leads to Cheatham Hill and the site known as the "Dead Angle," one of the most intensely contested areas of the battlefield. Visitors can view monuments, trenches, and interpretive displays while learning about the battle's most significant events.

Kolb Farm Loop Trail

Length: Approximately 1.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This family-friendly trail explores the historic Kolb Farm area and provides opportunities to view preserved battlefield landscapes while enjoying a peaceful walk through forests and open fields.

Sources: National Park Service official Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park information, including details about the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, visitor center exhibits, historic earthworks, hiking trails, battlefield preservation, and recreational opportunities. https://www.nps.gov/kemo> Additional trail and battlefield information verified through National Park Service visitor resources and trail guides for Kennesaw Mountain Trail, Cheatham Hill, Pigeon Hill, and Kolb Farm. https://www.nps.gov/kemo/planyourvisit

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.