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The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain
June 27, 1864
A Major Battle in the Campaign for Atlanta
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VISITING THE BATTLEFIELD
� � � From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
� � � From the summit of Kennesaw Mountain on a clear winter's day, the skyline of Atlanta punctuates the southern horizon.
� � � Today, it is a spectacular vista. More than a quarter and a century ago to Gen. William T. Sherman and his invading Union army, it was a tantalizing trophy nearly won.
� � � In late June 1864, the mountain and surrounding hills were the scene of one of the major battles of the Civil War. The grounds have been preserved to commemorate the events of that summer.
� � � The park is crisscrossed by nearly 20 miles of foot trails ranging from pleasant strolls to strenuous all-day hikes. An especially popular hike is the five-mile loop from the visitor center, over the summits of Kennesaw Mountain, Little Kennesaw and Pigeon Hill, and past the site of a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps camp.
Getting There
The park is fairly easily reached from I-75, exit 116. Follow the signs to the park. The park is on Stilesboro Road at Old U.S. 41 in Marietta. The area is surrounded by urban sprawl and heavy traffic.
The visitor center and park are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Christmas and New Year's Day. The center is currently under renovation, and the temporary building contains exhibits, an audio-visual presentation of the battle and in the summer, living-history programs.
The self-guided auto tour includes Kennesaw Mountain where there is an observation platform, Pigeon Hill, Cheatham Hill and Kolb's Farm.
Activities
Recreational activities are permitted only in the designated activity areas. Camping is not permitted in the park. Living history programs and ranger talks are given during the summer.
Trails
The park trails offer short walks and long hikes. Starting at the visitor center, the round-trip distances are two miles, five miles, 10 miles and 16 miles. All trails require steep climbing. Be prepared: there is no water, shelter or food along the way, and conditions can be hazardous. Stay on trails, wear sturdy shoes and carry water. Trails are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
Food
Nothing on site, but there are many restaurants nearby in Marietta.
Safety and Regulations
For a safe and enjoyable visit, please observe these regulations from the NPS:
- Do not climb on the cannons, monuments or earthworks. The earthworks are fragile; disturbing them causes irreparable damage.
- All buildings, historic objects, geologic specimens, plants and animals are protected by federal law.
- Stay on the roadways and trails to help prevent erosion and to protect the mountain ecology.
- Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Clean-up after your pet; bags are provided in the parking lots.
- Picnicking and all recreational activities are restricted to designated activity areas.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Watch out for insects, snakes and poisonous plants.
- Bicycles are prohibited on all trails.
- Recycle all cans, glass and plastic.
- Park only in designated areas.
More Information
Superintendent, Kennesaw Mtn. Nat'l Battlefield Park
905 Kennesaw Mountain Drive
Kennesaw, GA 30152-4855
770-427-2686
Sources
� � � National Park Service
� � � Cobb, Hubbard. American Battlefields
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