Kennesaw Mountain Park

We decided to head up to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park for our Smyrna Vinings Sunday Detour. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is a 2,888 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. The battle was fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Sherman’s army consisted of 100,000 men, 254 guns and 35,000 horses. Johnston’s army had 63,000 men and 187 guns. Over 67,000 soldiers were killed, wounded and captured during the Campaign.

There are 3 battlefield areas at the park: In front of the Visitor Center, off Burnt Hickory Road and the main site is located at Cheatham Hill [then commonly known as the Dead Angle]. The visitor center provides introductory information about the park and the battle. While walking some of the 17.3 miles of interpretive walking trails you will see historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and various interpretive signs. There are 3 monuments representing states who fought here.

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 up is approximately 1.4 miles on the road and 1.2 miles up the trail.

We decided to head up the trail and within 5 minutes spotted a deer in the woods. The kids enjoy the hike and like to check out the bugs, sticks, rocks, lizards, birds and occasional deer. We managed the trek up the mountain just fine and took a break to check out the vista. The view can be great, but generally it’s better in the Fall through early Spring. The hot hazy days of summer tend to cut down on visibility.

As we descended the backside of the mountain, we opted to catch the road back down, rather than continue on the trail over Little Kennesaw Mountian. We did that once before and I’m not sure if I’ll every hear the end of that. It’s not a bad little hike, but with two little kids, it can take awhile and you’d better pack some snacks.

Anyway, it’s always good to get out and get a little exercise and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a great spot to do just that. Located northwest of Smyrna Vinings, it’s a short drive away and well worth the trip. There are lots of trails to enjoy so be sure to check it out.

Also great for the kids is the Junior Ranger program. Just purchase a Jr. Ranger booklet for only $2.00 in the bookstore and you’re ready to go. After you complete the activities in the Junior Ranger book, you will receive a Junior Ranger badge and you will get to have a National Park Ranger sign and present a certificate to our newest Jr. Ranger.

Pick up your book in the visitor center bookstore to begin your adventure.

Well, after a nice hike, it was time for some sustenance. We decided to check out the Trackside Grill in historic Kennesaw. Click here to read about the Trackside Grill.