Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

From June 19 until July 2, 1864, 160,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought on the land that now forms Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston and his troops temporarily halted Union General William T. Sherman’s advance toward Atlanta here during that hot summer. Over 5,350 soldiers lost their lives in the battle.  Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield was designated as a National Battlefield on February 8, 1917, Cheatham Hill was added on August 10, 1933.

Even if you aren’t a history buff, Kennesaw Mountain is well worth a visit. Not only is the park a great place for biking (on open, paved roadways), running or hiking the more than 18 miles of interpretive trails, it also is dog-friendly (on a leash no more than 6 ft.). Enjoy a picnic in the designated areas; a few small grills are even available.

Today, the 2,923-acre park includes three battlefield areas: In front of the Visitor Center, off Burnt Hickory Road and the main site is located at Cheatham Hill. Eleven miles of earthworks are preserved within the park, which is the only National Park Service property that commemorates the Atlanta Campaign.

Of course, no visit is complete without a trip up Kennesaw Mountain. The Visitor Center — with an 18-minute film about the Atlanta Campaign and the Battle of Kennesaw, an expanded museum and a shop – is a good place to stop before heading up the mountain. The mountain is 1808 feet above sea level, and the incline from the Visitor Center to the mountain’s summit is approximately 700 feet. Just imagine the battle taking place here! The hike up is approximately 1.4 miles on the road and 1.2 mile up the trail. If the walk is too much for you, you may drive your car to the mountaintop on weekdays. On the weekends, the road is closed but shuttle service is available. Your efforts will be rewarded by an unparalleled view once you reach the top.

Interpretive programs — such as guided hikes and walks, talks, demonstrations, and “living history” events — are offered throughout the year. See our calendar of events for more information.

While there’s no fee enter Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, there is a $5 fee per vehicle as well as a small charge ($1.50 to $3) if you want a ticket to ride the shuttle bus to the top of the mountain.

Kennesaw Mountain Drive
Kennesaw Mountain Drive is located in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and is one of several ways to get to the top of the mountain.  The road is open to walkers and hikers every day.  Monday through Friday, the road is also open to bicycles and private vehicles and there is a parking lot at the top of the mountain.  Visitors can drive to the top and hike one of the many trails or simply take in the amazing views.  On Saturdays and Sundays, the road is closed to bicycles and private vehicles and visitors have the option to ride a shuttle bus or walk the road to the top.  A separate, shorter and steeper walking trail up and down the mountain is also available.  Bikes are permitted on open, paved roads but are not permitted on the trails.

Located in Kennesaw, just west of Marietta, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is accessible from I-75 and the Barrett Parkway. Follow the brown signs marking the way to the park.

You might not know:

Admission:
Free

Parking:
$5/day or $40/year

Hours:

Kennesaw Mountain is a day use battlefield park, which means it is open “from dawn to dusk.”

Visitor Center building:
9 am to 5 pm

Visitor Center lot and battlefield grounds:
6:30 am to 6:30 pm – Standard Time
6:30 am to 8:30 pm – Daylight Saving Time (March-November)

Parking Lots:

  • Visitor Center Parking Lot:
    6:30 am to 7:30 pm – Daylight Saving Time (March-November)
    6:30 am to 5:30 pm – Standard Time
  • Old 41 Overflow Lot- Cheatham Hill Dr- Cheatham Hill Rd Picnic Area:
    6:30 am to 6:30 pm – Standard Time
    6:30 am to 8:30 pm – Daylight Saving Time (March-November)

The Mountain Road – Kennesaw Mountain Drive:

  • Monday-Friday:
    Open to personal vehicles (including bicycles)
    8:30 am to 5 pm Standard Time
    8:30 am to 7 pm Daylight Saving Time (March-November)
  • Saturday-Sunday:
    Closed for Park Shuttle use only
    Every 30 minutes with the first run at 9:40 am and last run at 4:30 pm.

All facilities are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.


Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr.
Kennesaw, GA 30152
(770) 427-4686

Call 770-427-4686 for more details.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Visitor Center

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Visitor Center
Civil War cannon outside the visitor center
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Museum
Inside the Kennesaw Mountain Museum
“Kennesaw Mountain is a memorial to the thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers who fought here, and the courage, honor, and devotion that is their legacy to us all.”
Civil War Cannon at Kennesaw Mountain, in Kennesaw Georgia
“This is hallowed ground. For two terrible weeks in the summer of 1864, thousands of Americans fought and bled and died here. Honor their sacrifices. Walk reverently in their footsteps. The fierce struggle they waged here not only helped decide the outcome of America’s Civil War. It shaped the fate of a nation, and the destiny of generations yet unborn.”
Gift shop outside the Kennesaw Mountain Museum
“To protect this battlefield’s historic integrity recreation activities such as ball playing, sunbathing, kite flying and picnicking are not allowed in this field.”
“Clash at Kennesaw – This National Battlefield Park commemorates the Civil War battle fought here and the 1864 Atlanta Campaign.”
View of Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield
The road to the top of Kennesaw Mountain is open to vehicles Monday to Friday
On weekends, the road to the top is closed to vehicles
Although the road is closed to private vehicles, a shuttle bus service is available on Saturday and Sunday. This bus will take you to the top of the mountain and back down. Alternatively, you can hike to the top on foot.
Adults 12 and over are $3, children 6 to 11 are $1.50, children 5 and under are free
The parking lot at the top of Kennesaw Mountain

From the top of Kennesaw Mountain, you can see Stone Mountain, Downtown Marietta, the city of Atlanta, and more.
View from the top of Kennesaw Mountain, with the city of Atlanta in the distance.
Close up view of the city of Atlanta from the top of Kennesaw Mountain.
View from the top of Kennesaw Mountain of the twin peak, or “Little Kennesaw”
View from the road to the top of Kennesaw Mountain
A zoom in of Atlanta from the road to the top of Kennesaw Mountain
View of the road on the way down from the top.
If you do not want to hike to the top of the mountain, you can follow one of the paths around the park.
Civil War monument on a trail around Kennesaw Mountain “Georgia Confederate Soldiers – We sleep here in obedience to the law; when duty called, we came, when country called, we died.”
Path towards Cheetham Hill in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Old stone bridge near the Kennesaw Mountain trail
“CCC Camp Headquarters Site” Established on July 1, 1938, the Civilian Conservation Corps was established at Kennesaw Mountain to work on roads, buildings, landscape, erosion control, and interpretation.
Wildlife abounds at Kennesaw Mountain.  The park is the premier migrant bird watching location near Atlanta, and one of the best in the southeast. A checklist of birds is available in the visitor center.
Late winter/early spring view of a deer near Kennesaw Mountain
A picnic in the park is a popular activity at Kennesaw Mountain.
The trail from the mountain top parking lot to “Little Kennesaw” mountain.
From the parking lot at the top of the mountain, stairs lead to a higher overlook and trail.
View from the higher overlook and trail leading a bit further up the mountain.
A foggy day at the base of the mountain

Above the clouds