Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

The museum tells the story of the 1864 battle at Kennesaw Mountain and the Atlanta Campaign during the Civil War.

In January 2025, I broke my number one hiking rule: DO NOT GO ALONE! I am an former park ranger, a true crime connoisseur, and a female. My rule is to never hike alone because there are so many things that could go wrong! However, January 2 was my last day before I had to return to work, and I was just itching to go out. So, I picked a place that is always crowded and a popular hiking spot for residents of the Atlanta Metro area: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is managed by the National Park Service. When you arrive, make sure you pay the $5 parking fee. Park rangers actively check cars for parking passes. Plus, it supports the park!

The park has an awesome visitor center. There is a museum there tells the story of the 1864 battle at Kennesaw Mountain and the Atlanta Campaign during the Civil War. I would stop here first to learn about the site. This is first and foremost a battleground where thousands of men lost their lives. It is important to remember that the primary purpose of this park is to preserve the battlefield and the soldiers’ legacies. The visitor center closes at 5, so make sure to plan accordingly to make it part of your trip! Check out our Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park photos.

Behind the visitor center is the Kennesaw Mountain trail. This trail goes to the top of Kennesaw Mountain. This trail kicks my butt every time. Long switchbacks make this hike up the mountain a little more bearable, but it is still hard. By the time you reach the top of the mountain, you have made an elevation gain of 670 feet! The trail going up the mountain is just over a mile. I am not a big fan of hikes that are up mountains. They remind me of how out of shape I am. On the way up, I took five breaks. But there’s nothing wrong with taking breaks! And if you need extra motivation going up the mountain, just remember that 160 years ago, soldiers were literally taking canons up the mountain. If they can do that, you can hike up Kennesaw Mountain!

Going up the mountain in the winter time has a few perks. First of all, you don’t have to deal with the extreme Georgia heat.

Going up the mountain in the winter time has a few perks. First of all, you don’t have to deal with the extreme Georgia heat. I honestly don’t think I could do this hike in the summer. The other positive is that the trees don’t have leaves. This gives you so many more opportunities to see the aerial views of Kennesaw, Marietta, and Atlanta. You can even see Stone Mountain!

You know you are almost to the top when the trail is populated with large rocky outcrops. As you keep hiking towards the top, you will see a metal railing, a sidewalk, and a set of stairs. This leads you to a parking lot because – surprise – you can drive to the top of the mountain instead of hiking it. This parking lot gives you the first truly panoramic view of this area of the Atlanta Metro. I really liked looking to the north and seeing just how close Kennesaw is to the Appalachian Mountains.

Four cannons are at the top of the mountain, as well as more information about the battle and the Atlanta Campaign.

But wait, there’s more! Don’t stop in the parking lot. There is an additional staircase. Go up that, and the trail resumes. Four cannons are at the top of the mountain, as well as more information about the battle and the Atlanta Campaign. This is the end of the trail if you are just hiking to the top of Kennesaw Mountain (you can actually keep going to the summit of Little Kennesaw Mountain). Take a break here and enjoy the views! You definitely will feel accomplished once you get to the top.

On my way back down the mountain, I took a small detour. There is a trail split with a sign that says, “Camp Brumby Cutoff .3 Mile.” This trail also leads back to the visitor center. I chose to take it to add a little more variety to my hike. This trail is short with a gentle slope back down through the woods.

After conquering the mountain, I knew exactly where I was headed next: to get a beer at Glover Park Brewery in Marietta. Glover Park is a short 3.7-mile drive from Kennesaw Mountain. Glover Park is located just off of the historic Marietta Square. This brewery is a favorite of ours. We love spending time at the square! There are several great food and drink options here. Glover Park is definitely at the top of our list.

Happy Trails!
Katie & Jesse

Tips for Your Trip to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Trail Notes – Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Maps: Click to View Maps
• Summit Trail: The most popular, but steep and challenging. Offers panoramic views.
• Chemin de Fer Trail: Historic railroad grade, easier with some inclines.
• Pigeon Hill Trail: Shorter, less strenuous, good for families.
• Combine Trails: Create your own loop by connecting different trails.

Park Notes – Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

• Heat and Humidity: Be prepared for hot and humid conditions, especially in summer. Bring extra water and wear light-colored clothing.
• Rocky Terrain: The trails can be rocky and uneven in places. Wear sturdy shoes with good ankle support.
• History Focus: Bring a park brochure or download the app to learn about the Civil War history along the trails.
• Wildlife Encounters: You may encounter snakes, squirrels, and other wildlife. Observe from a distance and do not feed them.

Post-Hike Activities – Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

• Visit the Visitor Center: Learn about the park’s history through exhibits and ranger programs.
• Explore the Interpretive Trails: Short, accessible trails with interpretive signs.
• Have a Picnic: Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Always prioritize safety and consult park regulations before your visit.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Information:

• Address: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30152 (Google Map)
• Hours:
  Visitor Center Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily *Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day
  Park Grounds: 6:30 AM- 6:30 PM – Standard Time (November – March); 6:30 AM- 8:30 PM- Daylight Saving Time (March-November)

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Photos