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. The battle was fought here from June 18, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Sherman’s army consisted of 100,000 men, 254 guns and 35,000 horses. Johnston’s army had 63,000 men and 187 guns. Over 67,000 soldiers were killed, wounded and captured during the Campaign. There are 3 battlefield areas at the park: in front of the visitor center, off Burnt Hickory Road and the main site is located at Cheatham Hill [then commonly known as the Dead Angle]. Kennesaw Mountain is 1808 feet above sea level. It is approximately a 700 foot incline from the Visitor Center to the mountain’s summit. The hike up is approximately 1.4 miles on the road and 1.2 mile up the hiking trail.

The park is a day-use facility that sees 1,221,746 visitors a year. The park grounds are open daily. The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Visitor Center is open from 830am-500pm. Each parking area has posted closing times please refer to them prior to parking. The visitor center parking is open from 7:30am-6:00pm, Mountain road/mountaintop from 8:00am-5:30pm, and Cheatham Hill parking from 8:00am-5:30pm. The mountain road is open Monday-Friday excluding major holidays and weather permitting. It is closed on weekends and a shuttle bus is available to ride to the top of the mountain for a minimal fee. Please note that cars left unattended after park closure are subject to being towed at the owner’s expense. All park grounds and facilities are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years days. The visitor center provides introductory information about the park and the battle as well as a bookstore, run by the Kennesaw Historical Association, featuring a wide variety of Civil War merchandise. While walking some of the 17.3 miles of interpretive walking trails you will see historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and various interpretive signs. The visitor center is fully accessible including auditorium, exhibits, phone, water fountain and restrooms. Due to the nature of the historic terrain, trails have remained natural and have not been altered. The mountain road is paved and may be accessed by wheelchair or stroller. Our shuttle bus is ADA approved and can accommodate those with special needs.

A museum with an 18 minute movie, a gift shop, and picnic areas with grills are located at the visitor center. The museum 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. In addition, 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.

There are 3 monuments representing states that fought here. A shuttle bus runs every half hour on the hour and half hour to take you to the top of the mountain and back. At the visitor center, you can obtain a trail map or a park brochure that will lead you on a self guided auto tour. Translations of the park brochure are offered in Chinese, Japanese, German, Portuguese, Spanish and French. Just ask a visitor center staff member for a free translation. They ask that you take only one per person.

You may drive to all locations (on weekends the shuttle bus will drive you to the mountain top), ride horseback or walk through the park. Bicycles are not allowed on the trails, but paved roads only.

Summers can be humid, so if you plan to hike, take plenty of water and good hiking shoes or boots. Winters are cool with short spring and fall. The trails can be steep so be careful. For your safety and to help preserve park grounds we ask that you stay on designated trails only and please no shortcutting. Please help preserve this park by taking only pictures and leaving only footprints.

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Please respect any wildlife you come across. Do not feed or harass the animals.

Park entrance is free. There is a shuttle to the top of the mountain that charges a fee. Fees are $2.00 for adults, $1.00 children 6-12 and under 6 is free.

There is no camping in the park.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is 15 miles away. Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site is 24 miles away. Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is 92 miles away. Ocmulgee National Monument is 70 miles away. Andersonville National Historic Site is 153 miles away. Fort Pulaski National Monument is 270 miles away. Fort Frederica National Monument is 330 miles away. Cumberland Island National Seashore is 365 miles away. Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is 150 miles away. Atlanta History Center is 16 miles away. The Marietta Museum of History is 3 miles away. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is 3.5 miles away. Pickett’s Mill State Historic Site is 13 miles away. Red Top Mountain State Park is 18 miles away.

The park can be easily driven to: Take I-75 to exit 269 (Barrett Parkway). At the light turn west onto Barrett Parkway. Travel down 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.

The Cobb County Transit {CCT} stops approximately 3 miles from the visitor center. No other transportation is provided.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park:

By Car:

Birmingham, AL – 152.71 miles

Atlanta, GA – 24.40 miles

Chattanooga, TN – 99.32 miles

Augusta View Heights, GA – 177.22 miles

Albany, GA – 206.75 miles

Public Transportation is not accessible

Kennesaw Mountain National Battleground Park, Superintendent, 905 Kennesaw Mountain Dr., Kennesaw, GA 30152
Visitor Information- 770-427-4686 x0
Headquarters- 770-427-4686 x223
Visitor Information Recorded Message- 770-427-4686 x504
Chief Ranger- 770-427-4686 x228
By Fax 770-528-8399

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