Kennesaw Mountain Trail: Big Mountain Hike

Hike a strenuous 2.4 miles roundtrip on the Big Mountain Trail, climbing Kennesaw Mountain, the site of a Civil War battle, to breathtaking Atlanta skyline views.

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This moderately difficult out-and-back hike summits Kennesaw Mountain, grabbing stunning, extensive views from the mountain’s rocky, open peak. The Kennesaw Mountain Trail climbs a rocky, shaded, steeply-pitched terrain to the summit – a moderately challenging, but relatively short, hike. The summit views make the effort worthwhile, though: from the summit, the Atlanta skyline and Stone Mountain are visible on the distant horizon.

Kennesaw Mountain was the site of a major Civil War battle in the Battle of Atlanta. It’s now both a battlefield memorial and expansive park for outdoor enjoyment, with an extensive network of hiking and running trails. This hike on the Kennesaw Mountain Trail explores the mountain’s natural landscapes, some beautiful views, and historic artifacts. It’s an equally great lesson in Civil War history and a great workout.

View from the Kennesaw Mountain summit, with the Atlanta skyline and Stone Mountain on the horizon

Kennesaw Mountain Trail: the hike

The Kennesaw Mountain Trail departs the park’s Visitor Center (view maps and driving directions), crossing a paved road to the south before diving into the forest on a dirt trail. The trail quickly begins to rise in elevation, climbing the lower base of Kennesaw Mountain under a deciduous forest canopy. The landscape is rocky, filled with weathered rock fragments and craggy rock outcrops. The trail meanders through a series of switchbacks as it climbs.

The hike meets pavement at .85 mile, nearing the mountain’s summit. After grabbing stunning, long-range views from the parking area, the Kennesaw Mountain Trail climbs a staircase and begins following a paved trail.

A line of cannons line the trail’s right side, nestled within crescent-shaped, mounded earthworks. The large cannons aim to the northeast, pointed in the direction of the encroaching Union army during the battle of Kennesaw Mountain.

The Kennesaw Mountain Trail continues to climb elevation before cresting the mountain’s summit at just over 1 mile.

Expansive, grooved, exposed rock covers the mountain, offering a resting spot and vantage point for the incredible long-range views. Stunning views extend to the north and south from the summit.

Departing the summit, the hike retraces its outbound steps on the Kennesaw Mountain Trail to the visitors center trailhead. It’s a nearly all downhill return route, a reward for the workout on the climb to the summit. The trail meets the Kennesaw Mountain Visitor Center trailhead at 2.1 miles, completing the hike.

More Kennesaw Mountain hiking & running adventures

Up for some more outdoor adventure at Kennesaw Mountain? Check out our favorite Kennesaw Mountain hiking and running trails to explore the park’s battlefields, beautiful forest, meandering creeks, and wildlife habitats.

Trails and routes may change – so please refer to official trail maps for the latest route.