Kennesaw Mountain Trail
PeaksVisitor centers
Along the way Kennesaw Mountain Visitor Center
Hike to the Top of Big Kennesaw Mountain the Park Service's write-up
45-90 Minutes · dogs allowed · entrance fee applies · season Kennesaw Mountain's trails are open through all seasons. However, please consdier the weather/season when planning your hike. For example, parts of the trail could have ice on winter days, and you may need to bring extra water and go slower in the heat of summer.
Start Kennesaw Mountain Trailhead
The 1.1 mile hike to the top of Big Kennesaw Mountain is one of the most popular things to do at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (NBP). In that short distance, you can see wonderful views, become immersed in the history of the Civil War battle that was fought on these grounds, and burn a few calories. It is moderately difficult, but there are plenty of switchbacks to cut the steepness and benches for resting at key points.
Beginning this hike and staying on track is easy and intuitive. After you use the restroom (only located at the Visitor Center) and grab your map, snack, and drink from the Visitor Center, head out of the front door. Taking a left, you will be on a wide sidewalk heading up a gentle hill. Stay on this sidewalk until you see our mountain road, which you will cross. You will see the trail head directly on the other side of the crosswalk. Staying on this trail and follow the signs and mile markers all the way to the top. The trail will first drop you in a parking lot with a really nice view of Atlanta and the surrounding cites to the south. If you continue up past the stone viewing station, you will reach the true summit of the mountain and an even better view!
Close toed, comfortable shoes are reccomended, along with plenty of water (especially in the summer time)
Accessibility The trail to the top of Big Kennesaw Mountain is not accessible to all visitors, specifically those in need of wheelchairs or that have trouble walking long distances (over a mile). The marjority of the trail is dirt, and it can be rocky and steep in some areas. However, we do have a two-lane, paved road that can also be used to access the parking lot at the top of the mountain. This road is usually open to personal vehicles from Monday - Friday, 6:30 am to 5:00 pm from November to March, or 6:30 am to 7:00 pm March to November (weather pending). The road is closed to personal vehicles Saturday and Sunday. Please also keep in mind that the road takes you to the parking lot at the peak of the mountain. To get to the peak, you must still ascend the set of stairs on the stone viewing station.