Last updated: February 25, 2021
Thing to Do
Hike to the Top of Big Kennesaw Mountain
Tom Wilson
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)
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)
Details
Duration
45-90 Minutes
For most people, the hike to the top usually takes around 45 minutes or so. If you are hiking at a slower pace, or are just taking in the sites, it can maybe take up to an hour. When planning, make sure to remember that it always takes longer going up than coming down.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
While this is definitely considered a 'front country' hike, it can be steep and rocky in some areas. In total, you gain roughly 700 feet in elevation from the base. Be sure to take your time, pace yourself, wear closed toed shoes, and bring plenty of water.
Also, you will pass several Civil War era earthworks (trenches/artillery positions). Please remain on the trail at all times and do not climb on or in these earthworks.
Also, you will pass several Civil War era earthworks (trenches/artillery positions). Please remain on the trail at all times and do not climb on or in these earthworks.
Age(s)
5 and Older
All ages are welcome on any of the park's trails. However, strollers and other wheeled transportation may be difficult to use on this trail, so it can be easier if all participants can walk comfortably. Younger visitors can always take a ride in a special backpack!
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed and welcome on all trails of the park. However, we do ask that you keep your pet on a 6 ft leash or shorter at all times and remember to clean up after them. Dog waste stations and trashcans are available for your convenience.
Also, please keep in mind the difficulty of the trail and the weather when considering whether to bring your pet. Animals can get overheated and exhausted too!
Also, please keep in mind the difficulty of the trail and the weather when considering whether to bring your pet. Animals can get overheated and exhausted too!
Activity Fee
Yes
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park does charge an entrance fee. It is $5 a day or $40 a year, and National Park's passes are available. This fee is charged as you park in any of the designated parking lots. The Visitor Center lot is how you access the Kennesaw Mountain trail and is subject to parking fee enforcement. For more information on the Kennesaw Mountain's fees, please see link here.
Location
Kennesaw Mountain Trailhead
This is trailhead to begin the hike to the top of Big Kennesaw Mountain. From this point to the summit is 1.1 mile.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
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.
Time of Day
Day
Kennesaw Mountain's trails and grounds are day use only. From November to March, the hours are 6:30 am - 6:30 pm. From March - November, the hours change to 6:30 am - 8:00 pm.
Accessibility Information
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.
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.