Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

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Quick Facts

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Georgia

(770) 427-4686

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

The name Kennesaw is derived from the Cherokee Indian "Gah-nee-sah" meaning cemetery or burial ground. Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield is a 2,888 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign, during which over 67,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured. The battle was fought from June 18, 1864 until July 2, 1864. There are three battlefield areas at the park: in front of the Visitor Center, off Burnt Hickory Road, and the main site at Cheatham Hill (commonly known as the Dead Angle). The visitor center provides introductory information about the park and the battle. While walking some of the 17.3 miles of interpretive walking trails, you will see historic earthworks, cannon emplacements, and various interpretive signs. There are three monuments representing groups that fought here. Kennesaw Mountain is 1808 feet above sea level. The visitor center is approximately 700 feet above sea level. The hike up is about 1.4 miles on the road and 1.2 mile up the trail.

Map of Kennesaw Mountain

Latitude, Longitude: 33.984253, -84.577928

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Activities

  • Bicycling

    There are no bike trails, but bicycles are permitted on open paved roadways only. When the roadways are open to motor vehicles, they are open to bicycles. The mountain road is open from Monday through Friday and closed weekends and major holidays. Interpretive hiking trails are not available for bicycle travel. Bikes are subject to confiscation and the rider cited if found other than stated areas above.

  • Auto/Motorcycle

    During the week visitors may take a drive to the top of the mountain, and on weekends a shuttle bus is available to the top. If you drive to Cheatham Hill (the main battlefield) then to Kolb Farm, you can discover more of the deeper history of Kennesaw Mountain.

  • Hiking

    There are 18 miles of trails where visitors can explore the battlefield.

  • Historic Sites

    Park-goers can stop at the Visitor Center to view an 18-minute movie on the Atlanta Campaign and Battle of Kennesaw. The museum, which was expanded in 2002, is more than twice the size of the previous one and includes many artifacts which have never been on display before. Also included, on loan from a private individual, is a Henry repeating rifle which probably belonged to a soldier in the 66th Illinois Regiment which was at Kennesaw Mountain. Another highlight includes two rare Georgia-made weapons: a Cook and Brother carbine and a Rigdon and Ansley revolver, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. The exhibits not only tell the military story, but also the civilian, medical and communication aspects of the Atlanta Campaign.

    Kids can pick up a Junior Ranger book and get involved in what they're seeing at the Battlefield while parents browse the bookstore and take home a little of Kennesaw Mountain.

    A self-guided cell phone tour is available by dialing 770-325-0444.

  • Horseback Riding

    Horseback riding is allowed at the park, and there are several miles of suitable trails. The parking area for all trailers is located off of Cheatham Hill Road near Powder Springs.

  • Picnicking

    Visitors are welcome to picnic in designated areas throughout the park. The visitor center has brochures that indicate picnicking locations.

Seasonality/Weather

The Visitor Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Visitor Center lot and battlefield grounds are open 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Kennesaw Mountain Road is open 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday only, excluding major holidays and weather permitting. Cheatham Hill Battlefield grounds are open 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Battlefield grounds and all facilities are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Visitors can expect a short spring and fall with hot summers and mild winters.

Directions

Driving

From I-75 North To exit 269 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn left onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well. Directions from the visitor center to Cheatham Hill are provided in the visitor center at the information desk.

From I-75 South To exit 269 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn right onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well. Directions from the visitor center to Cheatham Hill are provided in the visitor center at the information desk.

From I-575 North To exit 1 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn left onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3.5 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well. Directions from the visitor center to Cheatham Hill are provided in the visitor center at the information desk.

From I-575 South To exit 1 (Barrett Parkway). At the stoplight turn right onto Barrett Parkway. Follow Barrett Parkway for approximately 3.5 miles, turn left at the light, onto Old Hwy 41. Turn right at your next light, Stilesboro Rd. The visitor center will be immediately on your left. Brown and white signs located along the roads will guide you as well. Directions from the visitor center to Cheatham Hill are provided in the visitor center at the information desk.

Public Transportation

The Cobb County Transit (CCT) stops approximately three miles from the visitor center. No other transportation is provided.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(770) 427-4686

Links