Park Closure
Kennesaw Mountain Road Closed to Private Vehicles and Cyclists
Starting January 5th, 2026, the road to the top of Kennesaw Mountain will be closed to private vehicles and cyclists due to construction and painting. Shuttle service to the top of the mountain is ONLY available on weekends and select federal holidays. The park's Visitor Center is still accessible. This work is in preparation for the upcoming Safety Improvement Project. For updates, continue to check park's website.
More infoKennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
GA · Kennesaw
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a 2,965 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. Opposing forces maneuvered and fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Although most famous as a Civil War battlefield, Kennesaw Mountain has a much richer story.
Riding guide
Highlights
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park protects nearly 3,000 acres of historic Civil War battlefield landscape north of Atlanta.
Riding
Rideable terrain here is noted as 17 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, the park offers one of the more extensive horseback riding opportunities among national battlefield parks. Roughly 17 Miles of designated riding trails wind through open fields, forest edges, and historic farm roads across the battlefield.
Rideable terrain
17 miles
Trailer parking
Horse Trailer Parking Lot (Primary Equestrian Staging) Location: Just north of the intersection of Cheatham Hill Road and Powder Springs Road, on the south side of the park. Why riders use it Official horse-trailer parking area for the park Dirt lot designed specifically for vehicles with horse trailers Direct access to the park’s bridle trail network connecting the Kolb Farm and Cheatham Hill trail systems Convenient starting point for riding loops across the southern battlefield trails. Capacity Approximately 4 trailer spaces are available in the lot. Important rules The lot is reserved only for vehicles with horse trailers. All manure, hay, and feed debris must be removed before leaving the area. Secondary Nearby Parking (Occasionally Used) Kolb Farm Parking Area Location: Intersection of Powder Springs Road and Callaway Road Why riders use it Small parking lot close to the horse-trailer lot Provides access to nearby battlefield trails and the Kolb Farm area. Note: This lot is not designed for large horse trailers, so the dedicated trailer lot above is the better option for most riders.
Horse regulations
Horseback riding at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is permitted on designated trails and is managed to protect the battlefield’s historic resources and natural landscape. However, several core regulations apply for equestrians visiting the park. Riding Is Limited to Designated Trails Horses are allowed only on approved trails within the park’s equestrian trail system. Riding on hiking trails, paved roads, or historic earthworks is prohibited in order to protect sensitive battlefield features. Bring Your Own Horse The park does not provide rental horses or riding concessions, so riders must bring their own horses to the park. Trailer Parking Horse trailers must park in the designated equestrian parking lot located near the intersection of Cheatham Hill Road and Powder Springs Road. Manure and Site Cleanliness Riders are responsible for removing manure, hay, or feed debris from trailer staging areas before leaving the park. Trail Courtesy Equestrians should: Maintain control of horses at all times Ride single file on narrow trails Yield appropriately to hikers and other trail users Avoid damaging vegetation or leaving established trails.
Getting here
Use 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, Georgia as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Horse Trailer Parking Lot (Primary Equestrian Staging) Location: Just north of the intersection of Cheatham Hill Road and Powder Springs Road, on the south side of the park. Why riders use it Official horse-trailer parking area for the park Dirt lot designed specifically for vehicles with horse trailers Direct access to the park’s bridle trail network connecting the Kolb Farm and Cheatham Hill trail systems Convenient starting point for riding loops across the southern battlefield trails. Capacity Approximately 4 trailer spaces are available in the lot. Important rules The lot is reserved only for vehicles with horse trailers. All manure, hay, and feed debris must be removed before leaving the area. Secondary Nearby Parking (Occasionally Used) Kolb Farm Parking Area Location: Intersection of Powder Springs Road and Callaway Road Why riders use it Small parking lot close to the horse-trailer lot Provides access to nearby battlefield trails and the Kolb Farm area. Note: This lot is not designed for large horse trailers, so the dedicated trailer lot above is the better option for most riders.
Planning your visit
Riding at Kennesaw Mountain is relatively accessible, but there are several important considerations before planning a trip. Parking Pass Required All vehicles parked in park lots must have a valid parking pass, which can be purchased as a daily or annual pass. Day-Use Park Only The park is day-use only. Camping and overnight stays are not permitted within the battlefield. Busy Weekend Crowds Because the park sits within the Atlanta metro area, weekends and holidays can be very busy with hikers, runners, and cyclists. Riders seeking quieter trails often visit early in the morning or on weekdays. Road Crossings Several bridle trails cross park roads or public roads. Riders should be prepared to safely navigate these crossings and remain alert for traffic. Battlefield Preservation The park contains fragile historic earthworks, artillery positions, and archaeological sites. Riders must remain on designated trails to protect these historic resources. Seasonal Trail Conditions Heavy rain can make sections of the trail muddy or slippery. Riding during extremely wet conditions can damage trails and may be discouraged.
Where to stay
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. This entry reads best as a bring-your-own-horse destination rather than a horse-rental stop, and amenities should be confirmed directly before travel. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Kennesaw before heading deeper into federal-land access points.
Entrance fees & passes
- $5.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
The Daily Pass is valid for the date of purchase only. It admits all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) and is non-transferable. This pass does NOT guarantee a parking spot.
- $5.00
Entrance - Per Person
The Daily Pass is valid for the date of purchase only. It admits all walk-in visitors aged 16 and older.
- $0.00
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
To request an Academic Fee Waiver for your group, click on the link for further details.
- $100.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100 Motor Coach/Commercial Tour Groups with 26 or more people
- $40.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40 per passenger bus with 16-25 people
- $25.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25 per passenger bus/sedan with 1-6 people
- $40.00
Annual Entrance - Park
The Annual Pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase. It admits all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) and is non-transferable. This pass does NOT guarantee a parking spot upon arrival. This can be purchased online, in our Visitor Center, or at any of our 5 Automated Fee Machines located in our major parking lots. A valid debit/credit card will be needed as none of these locations accept cash.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Points of interest
63rd Georgia Picket Line
POILocation of where the 63rd Georgia Infantry attempted to defend against a large frontal assault. The small confederate contingent suffered heavy casualties in this engagement.
America's National Park Bookstore
POIAmerica's National Park's bookstore is located in the Visitor Center at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and is a perfect place to purchase souvenirs, historic books, refreshments, and more!
Cockrell's Orphan Brigade
POIThis is the location where a Confederate regiment from Missouri entrenched and defended against a Union frontal assault.
Dan McCook Marker
POIMarker indicating the starting point of Col. Dan McCook's Brigade during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
Kolb Farmhouse
POIThe Kolb Farmhouse is the oldest standing structure in the park (dating back to the 1830's). It is also the site of the Battle of Kolb's Farm, which was one of the battles preceding the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
Lumsden's Artillery Battery
POIMebane's Battery
POIConfederate Mebane's Tennessee artillery battery was used with deadly effectiveness during the Battle Kennesaw Mountain NBP
Pigeon Hill
POIPigeon Hill is a spur, or small hill just south of Little Kennesaw Mountain. This is a popular hiking area, as well as the site of one of the larger Union assaults during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
Pigeon Hill and the New Salem Community
POIThis is a site within the historic New Salem Community in Marietta.
Summit of Big Kennesaw Mountain
POIPeak of Big Kennesaw Mountain at 1808 ft above sea level.
The 24-Gun Battery
POIThe 24-Gun Battery was the site of 6 Union Lite Artillery Batteries (4 cannons each). The remnants of many of the cannon placements are still visible today.
The Assault
POIBase of Cheatham Hill where a large Union assault too place against a Confederate defensive position.
The Dead Angle
POIThe 'Dead Angle' was a curve or bend in the Confederate earthworks that was the site of a large Union assault during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
The Death of Colonel Dan
POIThe 'Death of Col. Dan' marker
The Death of General Harker
POIThe site of General Charles Harker's 3rd Brigade during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Also, the approximate site of Harker's death.
The Death of Sergeant Coffey
POISite marking the death and temporary interment of Sgt. C.H. Coffey.
The Grave of the Unknown Soldier
POIGrave of the Unknown Soldier at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
The Illinois Monument
POIThe Illinois Monument stands on the 'Dead Angle', which was an especially violent and casualty ridden part of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain and the Atlanta Campaign. This monument was the first in the park, and honors the Union soldiers that lost their lives there on June 27, 1864.
The Texas Monument
POIThe Texas Monument shows not only the Texas regiments that fought at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, but also where most of them were located during the battle.
The Truce
POILocated on the side of Cheatham Hill Dr, in the park's Southern Section, this is the location of a notable truce that occurred during the battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
Thomas's Headquarters
POISite of Major General George H. Thomas' headquarters during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. This was also where the Union assault on Cheatham Hill began.
Union Trench Line
POIUnion Trench line along Kennesaw Mountain NBP's 'Assault Trail'
Walcutt's Attack on the Gorge
POILocation of a major Union frontal assault against a fortified Confederate position.
Things to do
Genealogy Research
Rangers and volunteers can assist with basic genealogy research on Civil War ancestors.
Duration: 10-30 Minutes
Hike to the Top of Big Kennesaw Mountain
This 1.1 mile hike to the summit of Big Kennesaw mountain is one of the most scenic and popular trails in the park. You will see Confederate trenches and artillery positions, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is moderately difficult and closed toed shoes and plenty of water are recommended.
Duration: 45-90 Minutes
Tour the Museum
Tour Kennesaw Mountain NBP's Museum
Duration: 15-60 Minutes
View Park Film
Viewing the park film
Duration: 35-35 Minutes
Visit The Park Bookstore
America's National Park's bookstore is a one-stop shop for information, historic literature, snacks, refreshments, and souvenirs.
Duration: 10-60 Minutes
Visitor centers
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Visitor Center
The Visitor Center at Kennesaw Mountain is located at 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr. and is open Monday - Sunday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm except on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years).
Get directions
Hours of operation
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Kennesaw Mountain NBP is open from 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM during Daylight Saving Time (March - November) and 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM Standard Time (December - February) These hours apply to all trails and parking lots.* *Cheatham Hill Parking Lot opens at 8:00 am
Mon
6:30AM - 8:30PM
Tue
6:30AM - 8:30PM
Wed
6:30AM - 8:30PM
Thu
6:30AM - 8:30PM
Fri
6:30AM - 8:30PM
Sat
6:30AM - 8:30PM
Sun
6:30AM - 8:30PM
Cheatham Hill Parking Lot
This parking lot is located off of Dallas Highway and Cheatham Hill Dr.
Mon
8:00AM - 7:30PM
Tue
8:00AM - 7:30PM
Wed
8:00AM - 7:30PM
Thu
8:00AM - 7:30PM
Fri
8:00AM - 7:30PM
Sat
8:00AM - 7:30PM
Sun
8:00AM - 7:30PM
Activities
Weather
Before you start your trip to the mountain, check the local weather forecast to be sure that you will have a dry time. Though we are located north of Atlanta, we're still have the same hot summers and mild winters as our neighbors. The mountain top generally ranges 8-10 degrees cooler than at the base. In fall and winter, be prepared with a light weight jacket on hand. After planning your activities, check back to see what the weather will have in store for your day.
Contact
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
List your propertyDirections
Kennesaw Mountain NBP is fairly spread out with multiple parking lots. Many visitors begin their visit at the Visitor Center located at 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr. and orient themselves to the park with Ranger or Volunteer. For more detailed directions, please see link below.
Source: nps.gov