Prepare to Visit Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield in Kennesaw Georgia- TThe Atlanta Campaign started here. It was a hot and clear Monday, June 27, 1864, when some of the heaviest fighting of the Atlanta Campaign occurred here.
Things to Know Before Visiting
We are a day use Battlefield and all parking areas are posted with designated parking hours.
Make sure you know how long it will take you to hike or tour the grounds before you start. Ask a ranger for assistance if you have questions.
Make sure you plan to enjoy your trip and take in as much as you can of the Battlefield and the surrounding areas.
If you're looking for lunch and dinner places, we do not offer anything in the park but the Marietta square is down the street and full of many choices. There's Barrett Parkway which has a little something for everyone and downtown Kennesaw is a short drive away.
Getting Around Includes: Road Closures
To begin your visit of the Atlanta Campaign, join us in the visitor center. There you can speak with rangers about the events leading up to the Battle of Kennesaw and the aftermath. Pick up a brochure which will guide you on a driving tour of our 4 stops.
First things first. Take in our 18 minute orientation film. Learn the path the troops took to find their way to Kennesaw Georgia. Then, enjoy our renovated museum. Take your time and look at authentic uniforms, weapons and flags.
As you exit the visitor center, stop and grab a cold water because you will surely need it on your hike to the top. On the weekends you can either hike to the top or take our shuttle bus which runs every 30 minutes.
From there, drive to the tour stops in your brochure. Get out and walk around being sure to stop and read our markers. Finally, take a picture to remember your time here in the South but please, take only your pictures and leave only your footprints.
Your safety is very important to us. In order to fully enjoy your visit, there are a few suggestions we ask you keep in mind:
Hiking Safety: Visitation to the Battlefield should be conducted only during the posted operating hours. This ensures we know you are here and can more readily provide assistance should there be an emergency.
Always know where you are in the Battlefield. In case of an emergency, this will expedite response time.
When choosing to walk the mountain road, understand that GA code 40-6-96 (b) states, "Where a sidewalk is not provided but a shoulder is available, any pedestrian walking shall walk only on the shoulder, as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway."
Do not ingest alcohol before your hike. This will increase your chances of dehydration during the hotter months.
Wearing headphones makes the run/walk more enjoyable but lessens your ability to hear what is going on around you.
Share the road with all road users. Wear proper hiking attire that is weather sensible. Be a good hiker, use trail etiquette. Hike only along marked trails. Do not hike or run alone.
Pet Safety: Always keep your pet on a leash no longer than 6ft in length and it must be attached securely to you in some way-this is for your safety, the safety of your pet, Battlefield visitors and wildlife. Letting pets run loose in the woods may disturb poisonous snakes and wildlife who may not approve of the intrusion.
Wildlife Safety: Resist the urge to pick up any snakes you may see along the roadway or trails. Copperheads are poisonous and inhabit many areas of the Battlefield. Do not approach or feed wildlife.
Traffic Safety: Abide by all traffic laws in and around the Battlefield. Constantly watch for wildlife crossing the roadway, they tend not to watch for you. Pedestrians have the right of way in ALL crosswalks, yield to them. Abide by the speed limit. Seatbelts are to be worn at all times. ALL state and federal traffic laws are applicable on Battlefield roadways and parking lots. Motorcycle operators and riders must have helmet on while the bike is in motion. Share the road with all road users.
Bicycle Safety: SEE ABOVE and ALL laws and rules of the road that apply to vehicles APPLY to bicycles. When an area is closed to vehicles, it is a closed to bicycles. Helmets are required by operators ages 16 and under, NO exceptions! Single file line only. Share the road with all road users. Cyclists are subject to receive the same moving violation citations as motor vehicle drivers.
In General: If possible, always carry a cell phone. Please, do not play on cannons, these are original pieces and can be dangerous if and when you fall off. Explosives, fireworks, firearms and other weapons are not permitted at any time. Pick up a map or brochure before venturing into the Battlefield and on to the trails. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. STAY ALERT at all times! If you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.
Please keep in mind that firearms, fireworks, fires made outside of the designated picnic areas in the grills provided and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Dogs are welcome on the Battlefield grounds but they must be on a leash no more than 6ft in length and under the owners physical restraint at all times. Please be mindful of where dogs "stop". Please pick up anything they leave behind with mutt mits that are free and in dispensers in all parking areas.
We ask that you enjoy your visit, walk the beautiful grounds and if you happen to catch our wildlife in action, watch and enjoy, but please do not approach.
The Battlefield is NOT open for hunting. If you witness illegal hunting or hear gunshots, please call 911 immediately to alert law enforcement officers immediately.
Accessibility - 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.
We are a day use only Battlefield, open from dawn to dusk. All gated lots have posted hours. Please refer to them before parking. Any vehicles left at the Battlefield after the posted closing time are subject to being ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. If your car is disabled and you must leave it over night, PLEASE LEAVE A NOTE EITHER ON THE DASHBOARD OR ON THE WINDSHIELD so your vehicle will not be removed. Keep in mind, neither Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield nor the federal government is responsible for any damage that may be incurred to your vehicle or it's contents while visiting the Battlefield.
Daily Battlefield hours: Visitor Center building: 8:30am-5:00pm Mon-Fri; 8:30am-6:00pm Sat-Sun Visitor Center lot and battlefield grounds: 7:30am- 8:00pm Mountain Road: 8:30am-7:30pm {Monday-Friday only, excluding major holidays and weather permitting} Cheatham Hill Battlefield grounds: 8:00am-7:30pm Visitor Center Building: Open daily from 8:30 am-5 pm. On weekends during daylight savings time, 8:30 am-6 pm.
The building is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Battlefield grounds and all facilities are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Fees & Reservations
Parking and Entrance Fees: Free Visiting on the weekend:
The mountain road is closed every weekend and on major holidays. We offer a shuttle bus that will provide transportation to the top of the mountain.
Adults 12 and over: $2 - Children 6-11: $1 - Under 6: Free National Park Pass
Park passes do not apply to the shuttle bus. Offers holder ONLY, 50% off of shuttle bus ticket.
Directions to Kennesaw Mountain National Park
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.
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