This mountain/battlefield hybrid is just under 20 miles from downtown Atlanta but feels entirely departed from the metropolis.
Where is it?
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is located in Marietta, Georgia, 18 miles northwest of Atlanta. It takes about half an hour to drive to the park from the city.
What’s the Significance?
The park protects a battleground where the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain took place, one of the most significant clashes of the Atlanta campaign. Fighting on the mountain took place from mid-June to early July in 1864.
It’s said that ‘one last mountain’ stood between the Union and Atlanta. The Union wanted to capture Atlanta while the Confederacy defended one of their largest cities. This led to the mountain seeing some of the heaviest fighting in the area.
Best Things to Do
The top thing is definitely Kennesaw Mountain. On weekdays, you can drive to the peak, but on weekends the mountaintop is accessible exclusively by foot or shuttle. The view of Atlanta from the summit is great:
Hiking is another popular activity, with 22 miles of trails winding around the grounds. If you have a horse, you can even bring them on a few of the park’s trails!
There are seven historical sites around the park, six accessible by car. Touring them gives a brief overview of the mountain’s history.
Cheatham Hill, set away from the visitor center area, is the park’s main battlefield. There’s also a pretty grand monument to an army from Illinois in this area.
The park was Georgia’s first designated ‘Important Bird Area,’ and they take pride in it! The visitor center has bird watching checklists that can accompany hikes.
As the park is protecting a battlefield, they do frequent historical reenactments and living history demonstrations.
My Favorite Trails
The Kennesaw Mountain Trail switchbacks from the parking lot to the top of the mountain. It’s a pretty trail through the woods that cumulates with an incredible view of suburban Atlanta. The hike’s about a mile from the visitor center to the top of the mountain, but I promise it isn’t super hard.
The park’s longest is a 10 mile loop that crosses a few roads and leads from the visitor center to Cheatham Hill, another section of the park.
My Favorite Parts
- There is a really cool view of the Atlanta skyline on the horizon from the top of the mountain
- The park is really close to Atlanta!
- I really liked the trail itself, it was a nice challenge without being too difficult.
My Least Favorite
- The visitor center parking area can get pretty busy during the weekends. My friend and I had to circle the lot a few times to try and find a space.
Essential Details
- Entrance Fee: $5/car
- Car needed: Yes
- Closest Airport: ATL (Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson)
- Closest City: Atlanta, GA
Turquoise Skies 