Dear Friends,


During the government shutdown, the Department of Interior has directed national parks, including the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, to remain mostly open, while operating with significantly reduced staff and visitor services.


The duration of the shutdown remains uncertain, but impacts on Kennesaw Mountain NBP, its staff, gateway communities, and visitors are being felt quickly. The timing of the shutdown is particularly difficult, as fall foliage season is among the park’s busiest periods.


What to Know:
The following is based on our current understanding as of Oct. 10, 2025, and is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please check this page on our website.


Visitor Services:
Open/accessible to visitors:
Remote parking lots and trails
Closed/not accessible to visitors:
The KMNBP main visitor center and parking lot, including the visitor center restrooms.
The Cheatham Hill Drive (Illinois Monument) parking lot, including the restroom facility.
Ranger programs, family programming, school field trips, are suspended at this time.


Staff:
The majority of the Kennesaw Mountain NBP service staff has been furloughed, with exceptions made for a small number of staff deemed “necessary to protect life and property.” This includes basic sanitation services, law enforcement, and fire safety. 
Most staff, including those who continue to work in the park, will not be paid until the shutdown ends.
 
Volunteer Programs
Closed/not accessible to visitors:
All volunteer programs in the park, including those of the Friends of Kennesaw Mountain, the Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club, and Living History activities, are paused during the shutdown.
 
Fee collection and revenue:
During the shutdown, the park is unable to collect entrance fees. This disruption puts significant park-generated revenue—critical for next year’s operations—at risk.  

How You Can Help:

  • Engage with policymakers: Contact your Congressional representatives and urge them to end the shutdown and to fully fund and fully staff our national parks.
  • Recreate responsibly: Read tips on how to stay safe and reduce your impact on the park’s incredible natural and historic resources here. Small acts of care—like carrying out your trash and remaining on established park trails make a huge difference.
  • Express appreciation: Thank essential National Park Service personnel for continuing to serve during this period. 
  • Support local businesses and organizations: Help keep our community vibrant by supporting local businesses and organizations through this challenging time.
  • Share information about community resources: Several local organizations and food pantries are available to help furloughed federal workers.
  • Consider a donation: Help the Friends of Kennesaw Mountain support the park by donating. Your gift will fund future programs at Kennesaw Mountain, including trail maintenance, living history, youth education, and conservation efforts to protect our cherished park.
  • We know many visitors want to support the park by purchasing a park pass – but simply have no way of doing so right now. In lieu of a park entrance pass, visitors can support Kennesaw Mountain by donating the value of a daily park fee at www.friendsofkmnbp.org

Thank you to everyone for helping support our park and our community during this time!