Atlanta is a city with activities for people of all ages. But once you’ve seen the Georgia Aquarium, the King Center, and the World of Coca-Cola – all attractions that are senior-friendly and well worth exploring – you might want to get out into the countryside. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a nearly 3,000 acre park a little over a half hour northwest of Atlanta with lots of appeal for hikers and history buffs alike. 

The History

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield site was established in 1917 under President Woodrow Wilson and became a national park in 1935.

It was the location of some of the heaviest fighting during the Atlanta campaign of the Civil War. Here you can take in the real stories of the armies and people caught up in the battle. The park contains multiple monuments, from individual stone markers to the historic battlefield where thousands of soldiers from the north and the south – including many African Americans – fought and died during a grueling 14-day-long battle. The park’s living historians and vivid living history demonstrations will make you feel part of those times.

But this park covers more, going back further to the Cherokees’ ancestors who inhabited the mountain from 1000 B.C. until the arrival of the Europeans and their exodus from their homeland. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 mandated the relocation of all American Indian tribes east of the Mississippi River, and over 16,000 Cherokee traveled the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma.

The Hike

The 1.1 mile hike to the top of Big Kennesaw Mountain is one of the most popular things to do here. It’s considered moderately difficult but there are switchbacks to relieve the steepness and plenty of benches for resting along the way. The hike takes about 45 minutes…or more if you stop for relaxing or sightseeing. And the panoramic views are definitely worth taking in! 

This trail is not accessible to all visitors, however, since it is a dirt trail that can be rocky and steep in places. There is a paved road that can take you to a parking lot near the top, either by private car or shuttle van, depending on the day and season.

But for avid hikers and bikers, there are over 20 additional miles of trails in the area to explore, from easy to hard, through forests, mountains and grassy meadows, that can keep you on the move from 14 minutes to 5 hours.

Senior-Friendly Tips

Now that your interest is piqued, here are a few tips to ensure you thoroughly enjoy your visit to Kennesaw:

  • The park is spread out. If this is your first visit, start at the Visitor Center and check in with the Rangers or Volunteers to help get you started. You can watch a 35 minute orientation film and pick up a map that will guide you on a driving tour. 
  • The Visitor Center is open 9-5 daily except for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s. The beautiful park grounds are open 6:30 - 6:30 December through February and 6:30 - 8:30 the rest of the year.
  • The mountain top is generally 8-10 degrees cooler than the base, so pack your layers!
  • If you’re planning on riding to the top of Big Kennesaw Mountain, be sure to check when the road is open for private vehicles or shuttles. In general, on weekends and federal holidays, the road is closed to private vehicles, but the free shuttle bus transportation is available. 
  • Entrance fees are very reasonable – only $5 per person or per private vehicle. There are also six free entry days throughout the year. 
  • There are no lunch or dinner restaurants within the park, but there are dozens of awesome dining choices a short drive away.

And if you want to do more than just visit the Atlanta area, it’s known as a great place to make a permanent home. Contact our team today and we’ll share with you all the reasons you’ll love living your active senior life at Overture senior apartments.