Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to Close Mountain Road to Private Vehicles Beginning January 2026 as Part of Safety Improvement Project

Release Date: December 29, 2025

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to Close Mountain Road to Private Vehicles Beginning January 2026 as Part of Safety Improvement Project

KENNESAW, Ga. - On Jan. 6, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park will begin a safety improvement project on Mountain Road to reduce traffic congestion, improve visitor safety, and protect the historic and natural resources of the park. The resulting project will close the road to private motorized vehicles and enable better mixed-use of the road for shuttle service, bicycles and pedestrians. Work includes striping the road and improvements to the summit and shuttle plaza.

"This change in use addresses growing safety concerns on a narrow, heavily used road," said Acting Superintendent Beth Wheeler. "We understand this change may impact how some visitors experience the park, and we are committed to prioritizing a safe and accessible experience for all visitors while also preserving the natural and historical integrity of the park."

The 1.5-mile road to the summit will be accessible via daily shuttle service, bicycle, or foot, with a newly striped pedestrian lane open to walkers and hikers. Use of the unpaved one-mile mountain hiking trail will not be affected by the changes to the paved Mountain Road.

Pavement striping is scheduled to begin on or after Jan. 6 and will require intermittent road closures through the end of March and possibly into spring. During this time, visitor access to the summit may be limited.

Cyclist access will be permitted daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (or 6:00 p.m. during winter hours) outside of shuttle operating times.

The Mountain Road, which ascends to the summit of Kennesaw Mountain, is steep, narrow and winding with a 12% grade and several blind curves. As the road is heavily used by a mix of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, the park has seen increasingly frequent traffic incidents, visitor conflicts, and medical emergencies. The park condurcted public outreach and open house meetings in 2024 to gather feedback and inform the final plan. Updates will be shared via the park's website, social media, and on-site signage.

About Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park:
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park preserves a key Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. The park offers over 22 miles of trails, historic sites, and educational programs that connect visitors to the stories of those who lived and fought here.