While the Atlanta metropolitan area is full of leisure activities, it’s also a historically rich region of the American South, with tales from the Civil War dating back over a century and a half. As you search for things to do in Cobb County, plan a visit to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which is one such site that tells these stories.
Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park pays homage to one of the major battlegrounds of the 1864 Atlanta Campaign. During the fighting, more than 160,000 Union and Confederate soldiers battled on the land that is now a 2,923-acre historical monument. The park preserves the tumultuous history of the United States and showcases battleground stories like never before.
Even if you aren’t an American history scholar, this battlefield is well worth a visit, boasting hiking trails, tours, and a museum. If you’re a first-time visitor, we’ve outlined everything you need to know before you go.
Visiting Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
During your visit to the park, you can pay tribute to those who fell on the battlefield in several ways. Below is a list of our top hikes, tours, and educational programs.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Trails
With more than 22 miles of walking, biking, and hiking trails around the park, this national battlefield is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The trails will guide you through the entire park, each with stellar views to enhance your history lessons. Here are some of the most popular trails to check out:
- Cheatham Hill to Kolb Farm (5.5 miles): This trail is a great beginner hike. It starts at Cheatham Hill, runs through meadows and vast landscapes, and ends at the Kolb Farm Battlefield.
- Kennesaw Mountain Trail (2 miles): Hike to the top of Kennesaw Mountain for breathtaking summit views. Bonus: On a clear day, you can see the Atlanta skyline. Visitors can also drive to the top or opt for the park’s shuttle service.
- Environmental Trail (1.4 miles): Perfect for the entire family, this beautiful nature walk ventures through the mountain’s lower elevations, passing lush forests and trickling creeks.
Guided Museum Tours
The visitor center offers a wide range of amenities and resources, including a renovated museum. This exhibit features Civil War artifacts and tells countless wartime stories, including military, civilian, and medical narratives.
Guided museum tours are also offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2 p.m. This quick, 30-minute guided tour is led by a Park Ranger or park volunteer, who thoroughly explains the story through relics, videos, and artifacts from the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
Kids Programs
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park also has a great kids program for your little ones. Kids can tour the park with a guide, collect trading cards, and even participate in becoming a Junior Park Ranger.
The park offers in-person and virtual field trips and tours to local schools, guiding them through the history museum, kid-friendly trails, and a 35-minute video lesson. Check out the official Kids in Parks Program to learn more.
Picnic Tables
After a day exploring the battlefield’s history and somber natural beauty, you can take advantage of the picnic tables and covered pavilions in the park. Surrounded by hardwood forests, these picnic areas are great for relaxing in the sun, enjoying lunch, and birdwatching. Some even include grills, so you can cook your lunch on-site.
Timeless Living in Cobb County
Now that you’ve experienced Cobb County’s notable past, it’s time to look towards the future. Browse our Hillgrove Preserve community and get one step closer to having Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in your backyard.
FAQs:
What is there to do at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park?
At Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, there are many activities for the entire family. Visitors can venture out independently and walk or hike the many trails, experience a guided walking tour, peruse the galleries at the museum, or sit and relax at the pavilions.
Can you still drive to the top of Kennesaw Mountain?
Yes, you can drive to the top of Kennesaw Mountain on weekdays in your own vehicle. On the weekends, the roads are closed to cars, but you can take a shuttle to the top instead.
Is Kennesaw Mountain worth visiting?
Kennesaw Mountain is often considered worth visiting if you appreciate summit views. Offering scenic hikes, trickling creeks, and vast landscapes, Kennesaw Mountain is a popular destination for nature buffs. If you want to reach the top of the mountain without any effort, you can also drive or take a shuttle to experience spectacular views.