The June 27, 1864, assault resulted in approximately 3,000 Union casualties compared to only 600 Confederate losses.
The mountain was used as a strategic Confederate signal station to observe Union troop movements.
The park contains the 'Dead Angle,' the site of some of the war's most intense close-quarters combat.
Kennesaw Mountain is a monadnock, a isolated mountain that rises abruptly from the surrounding plain.
The battlefield's preservation was significantly aided by the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Association, which worked to prevent residential development in the 1920s.
The park provides critical forest habitat for several species of migratory songbirds and raptors.
General William T. Sherman’s decision to attack the entrenched Confederate position against the advice of his subordinates remains a subject of historical debate.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves the site of a major 1864 American Civil War battle during the Atlanta Campaign. The park encompasses nearly 3,000 acres, featuring extensive earthworks and original trenches constructed by both Union and Confederate forces. Its centerpiece is the 1,808-foot Kennesaw Mountain summit, which offers a vantage point over the historic battlefield and the surrounding Georgia landscape. The site is managed by the National Park Service and includes a visitor center with museum exhibits, films, and an orientation space. Visitors can explore 22 miles of hiking trails that lead to key historical points, including Pigeon Hill and Cheatham Hill. The area is also a significant migratory stop for birds, making it a recognized destination for local birdwatchers. The battlefield was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
The summit of Big Kennesaw Mountain overlooking the Atlanta skyline to the south.
Bring sturdy hiking footwear if you plan to traverse the steeper trails leading to the mountain summit.
Check the official NPS website for the shuttle schedule, as private vehicle access to the mountain top is restricted during peak hours and days.
Water fountains are located at the visitor center, but hydration supplies are limited on the remote trail segments.
Attempting to climb the mountain in the midday summer heat without adequate water, and trying to park at the summit lot during restricted hours.
The visitor center is closed on major federal holidays; mountain top road access is restricted during weekends and holidays throughout the year.
Stay on marked trails to protect historical earthworks and natural resources; metal detecting and artifact removal are strictly prohibited.
