Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park adventure.
About 25 miles north of Atlanta marks the spot where 160,000 troops met in battle at Kennesaw Mountain. Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and his troops stalled Union Gen. William T. Sherman on his march to Atlanta. History buffs can view the dramatic landscape as southern troops tried one last gamble, in vain, to prevent Sherman from reaching Atlanta.
Within the park itself, see nearly 11 miles of earthen works that deterred advancing troops. Confederate forces slowed Sherman's troops down with these walls, but they couldn't stop the massive columns of men maneuvering to take Atlanta.
Living history demos and guided tours happen throughout the year to give you a sense for what happened over a two-week period in the summer of 1864. Park rangers and volunteers show you monuments on the grounds of the park that commemorate the men who gave their lives here.
Kennesaw Mountain has more than just history awaiting you and your family. If you start at the visitor's center, you can hike 1.4 miles up the road and another 1.2 miles on walking trails to reach the summit of the peak. The actual change in elevation is 700 feet. There is a road that goes the mountaintop that's open on weekdays if you want to motor to the top. On weekends, a shuttle service takes you to the peak.
Feel close to nature with 17 miles of interpretive trails on the grounds of the park. A paved road provides a great bike trail. Feel free to walk your leashed pooch as long as the leash is less than 6 feet long. Picnic areas let you enjoy lunch while visiting, and grills allow you to prepare a hearty meal for a summertime getaway in this day-use park. Colorful foliage in the fall makes for beautiful scenery.