Heritage Hike
Civil Rights Heritage Hike 2026!
Join the hike through Atlanta's history!
Saturday, March 27, 2027 from 8 AM - 1 PM, an event for the Atlanta community, including Cub Scouts, Scouts, parents, and leaders, are invited to join the annual Civil Rights Heritage Hike. The hike is a learning tour that visits Atlanta’s historic and active centers for our nation’s civil rights.
Know Before You Go
The 2026 Civil Rights Heritage Hike is in just a few days and we are excited that you have chosen to be a part of this event. As you begin to plan your trip, please review the following information.
What is the Civil Rights Heritage Hike?
The Civil Rights Heritage Hike is a structured Scouting event that gives youth the opportunity to explore the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a meaningful and engaging way. Now in its 10th year, the event takes place at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, with activities centered at Ebenezer Baptist Church’s Heritage and Horizon Sanctuaries.
The day begins with a welcome and Opening Ceremony, followed by guided rotations through key sites within the National Historical Park led by National Park Service staff and event volunteers. The program concludes with a closing experience in the Heritage Sanctuary, bringing all participants together to reflect on what they have learned.
Throughout the event, Scouts will gain a deeper understanding of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King’s leadership, and the role individuals can play in creating positive change. The experience is designed to be both educational and inspiring, reinforcing the values of citizenship, service, and leadership.
The Heritage Hike is open to Scouts of all ages and is intended to be attended as a unit, with families also welcome to participate. It offers a unique opportunity for youth to experience history in a place where it happened and to connect those lessons to their own lives.
What time am I supposed to be there?
Plan to arrive between 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM.
Where should I park?
There are numerous public parking lots and decks in the vicinity but space is not guaranteed at any one location. Traffic can be unpredictable. Be sure to give yourself some extra time to find a spot and get oriented. Atlanta Area Council volunteers will be in place in several lots to guide visitors to the event.
Can I get there on MARTA?
YES! There is a MARTA station at the King Memorial on the Blue/Green line. There are several park and ride facilities in the metro area and Five Points is a transfer station just a couple of stops away from the King Center.
What should I bring with me?
Bring along your outdoor essentials! We will be walking. Guests are encouraged to bring filled water bottles, sun protection, and snacks if they feel like they will want them during the event.
What can I expect when I arrive?
All guests will head to Ebenezer Baptist Church located at 101 Jackson St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30312. We will have volunteers on site to check you in and provide additional information and instructions.
What will we do as part of this event?
This year’s event will run from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The National Park Rangers, Scout volunteers and community leaders will be our guides as groups travel together to various landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement and hear from guest speakers. Our route will make a full loop concluding in the area where we begin.
What activities will NOT take place this year?
For 2026, the Heritage Hike will not include a parade or procession down Auburn Avenue, and there will be no closing block party at the APEX Museum.
Instead, the event will focus on a structured, site-based experience within the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, including guided rotations and an engaging program at Ebenezer Baptist Church’s Heritage Sanctuary.
Are there any other attractions or events happening nearby on that day?
The King Memorial is just blocks away from the heart of downtown Atlanta. If you plan on making a day of it, your opportunities for exploration are endless. Here are just a few of the additional destinations you will find nearby:
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Saturday 03-27-2027
8:00 AM ET to 1:00 PM ET
Map of Event
