Kennesaw is a Cobb County city about 26 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta, best known for Kennesaw Mountain, where one of the hardest battles of the 1864 Atlanta Campaign was fought. The battlefield park is now metro Atlanta’s favorite hike. In town, the Southern Museum holds The General, the locomotive stolen in the Great Locomotive Chase, and Town Center at Cobb covers the shopping. Here are the best things to do in Kennesaw.
- From AtlantaAbout 26 miles, 36 minutes without traffic
- CountyCobb County
- Known forKennesaw Mountain, The General locomotive
- Getting thereI-75 north to exits 269 to 273
Top Things to Do in Kennesaw
1. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
The summit trail climbs past Civil War earthworks and cannon to wide views of Atlanta. The battle here in June 1864 cost more than 5,000 American lives. Read our things to know before visiting, since parking fills fast on weekends.
2. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
Home of The General, the engine Andrews’ Raiders stole in 1862, plus Civil War and railroad exhibits. Adult admission is about $10; call 770-427-2117 for hours.
3. Downtown Kennesaw and the railroad
The old Big Shanty depot area, where the Great Locomotive Chase began, sits along the tracks near the museum, with a few shops and restaurants on Main Street.
4. Town Center at Cobb
A two-level mall at I-75 and Ernest Barrett Parkway with Macy’s, JCPenney and about 95 stores.
5. Cobb County trails and parks
Paved trails and parks across the county, good for a run or a bike ride after the mountain.
Events and Seasons
Fall is the best season on Kennesaw Mountain, with clear views and cooler hikes. The battlefield holds anniversary programs in late June, and spring brings wildflowers on the lower trails.
Nearby and Trip Planning
Marietta Square is about 15 minutes south, so the two make an easy day. See our things to do in Marietta guide, Cartersville to the north and the Atlanta Campaign sites guide.
Make this trip yours
Turn this guide into a day-by-day plan around metro Atlanta, with a map, directions and stops you can swap.
Plan my tripCommon Questions
What is Kennesaw, GA known for?
Kennesaw is known for Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the Southern Museum, home of The General locomotive from the 1862 Great Locomotive Chase.
How far is Kennesaw from Atlanta?
Kennesaw is about 26 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 36 minutes by car without traffic.
How long is the hike up Kennesaw Mountain?
The trail from the visitor center to the summit is about a mile each way, and it is steep in places. There is also a road to the top; check the park website to see whether it is open to cars or served by a shuttle on the day you go.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, prices and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- National Park Service: Kennesaw Mountain: battlefield, trails
- Explore Georgia: Southern Museum: The General, admission
- Town Center at Cobb: mall
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.