Length: 1.2 miles one way
Difficulty: Strenuous
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is the site of the beginning of the Atlanta Campaign during the Civil War. Fighting began here June 19, 1864 and lasted until July 2. It is from this location that Sherman continued his March to the Sea burning miles wide of property from Atlanta to Savannah. One of three battlefields within the Park sits just in front of the visitors and Kennesaw Mountain, and on many weekends Civil War reenactments and demonstrations can be seen here.
The Trail:
While visitors can pay $2 for a shuttle to the top of Kennesaw Mountain, hikers will enjoy the rugged hike so close to Atlanta. The hike up Kennesaw Mountain begins behind the visitor center on a well marked path.
Kennesaw Mountain is 1808 feet above sea level. It is approximately a 700 foot incline from the Visitor Center to the mountain’s summit. The hike does not involve any technical difficulties, but is somewhat steep. The wide dirt path alternates between steep inclines and slow gradual climbs up the incline.
On weekends, the park can become very crowded with hikers, dog walkers, and trail runners, but the trail is so wide and spacious that the crowds don’t seem to be a big nuisance.
From the top of the trail, hikers will be treated to distant views of the Atlanta skyline. On a clear day, Stone Mountain can be seen in the distance just to the left of the Atlanta skyscrapers.
Directions:
From Barrett Parkway at the I-75 exit:
1. Travel approximately 3 miles toward and past Hwy. 41.
2. Turn left onto Old Hwy. 41.
3. At the next light, turn right onto Stilesboro Road., the Visitor Center is on the left
Note: On nice Saturday and Sundays, the parking area at the visitor center can be full, and visitors will need to parallel park along the roadside prior to the visitors center.
Excellent review – I love hiking at old battlefields. We have some trails near my at the Battle of Olustee grounds.