The Big Chicken in Marietta: Atlanta’s Quirky Highway Landmark Explained

If you spend any time driving around Cobb County or northwest Atlanta, you’ll eventually hear someone say, “Turn left at The Big Chicken.” For locals, this huge roadside bird is more than just a fast-food sign—it’s a navigation point, meeting spot, and pop-culture icon for the entire metro area.

Here’s what Atlantans, visitors, and new residents should know about The Big Chicken in Marietta, how to find it, and why it matters so much to people who live around Atlanta.

What Is “The Big Chicken”?

The Big Chicken is a giant, 56-foot-tall steel and sheet-metal chicken structure attached to a KFC restaurant in Marietta, Georgia. It sits at one of Cobb County’s busiest intersections and is one of the most recognizable roadside landmarks in metro Atlanta.

• Location:
  12 Cobb Parkway SE
  Marietta, GA 30060
  (Intersection of Cobb Parkway/US-41 and Roswell Street)

Even if you’ve never eaten there, you’ll probably use it as a reference point for directions if you live or work in the Atlanta area, especially around Marietta, Smyrna, or the northwest suburbs.

Why The Big Chicken Matters to Atlanta Locals

A Navigation Landmark for All of Metro Atlanta

In Atlanta, people give directions using landmarks, not just street names. The Big Chicken is one of the most famous:

• “Go past The Big Chicken and stay on Cobb Parkway.”
• “We’ll meet near The Big Chicken, then head to the Braves game.”
• “Turn right at The Big Chicken to get into downtown Marietta.”

If you’re new to Atlanta, it can feel odd that locals reference a giant chicken instead of an exit number, but it’s genuinely useful:
The Big Chicken marks the gateway between major Atlanta corridors and Marietta’s core.

A Symbol of Marietta’s Identity

For Marietta residents, The Big Chicken is:

• A local joke everyone’s in on
• A nostalgic landmark people remember from childhood car rides
• A frequent subject of photos, T-shirts, and souvenirs

You’ll see it referenced in local businesses, artwork, and even school projects. If you say “The Big Chicken” anywhere in metro Atlanta, most people know exactly what you mean without context.

Where Is The Big Chicken in Relation to Atlanta?

If you’re coming from downtown or Midtown Atlanta, The Big Chicken is in Marietta, just northwest of the city.

Approximate distance and routes

Traffic on I-75 and Cobb Parkway can be heavy, especially during rush hour or Braves games, so plan a little extra time if you’re trying to visit or meet someone nearby.

A (Quick) History of The Big Chicken

You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate why this thing matters, but knowing the basics helps you understand why Atlantans care so much.

How it started

• Built in the early 1960s as a giant sign for a local restaurant (before it became a KFC).
• Designed to grab attention from passing drivers on what was then a growing commercial corridor.
• Over time, it became so well-known that even when the restaurant changed brands, the structure stayed.

Almost lost, then saved

When the structure needed major repairs, there was talk of removing it. Locals in Marietta and across Atlanta strongly pushed back. The outcry made it clear:

It was repaired and later underwent further renovation, keeping the classic outline but upgrading the materials.

Modern upgrades

Today, the Big Chicken:

• Has moving eyes and a beak that opens and closes
• Lights up at night, making it easy to spot even after dark
• Still functions as a working KFC restaurant, but the structure is the real attraction

What You Can Actually Do at The Big Chicken

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth a stop, here’s what to expect.

1. Grab a quick meal

The building is a fully operating KFC restaurant, so you can:

• Get standard fried chicken meals and sides
• Use it as a rest stop if you’re driving between Atlanta and points north
• Sit inside and check out any local-themed decor related to the landmark

2. Take photos

The Big Chicken is a classic roadside photo op:

• Great for “I was here” shots if you’re visiting Atlanta or Marietta
• Easy to photograph from the parking lot or nearby sidewalks
• Sometimes used as a meetup spot before heading to other local attractions

📸 Tip: For the clearest photos, go during daylight hours. Evening and night shots can also look great because of the lighting, but watch traffic and stay on sidewalks and safe areas near the intersection.

3. Use it as a home base to explore Marietta

Because of its central location, The Big Chicken works well as a starting point for exploring nearby Atlanta-area attractions in Cobb County.

Nearby Attractions and Places to Pair with a Visit

If you’re heading to The Big Chicken anyway, it’s easy to build a mini outing around it.

Downtown Marietta & Marietta Square

Just a short drive west from The Big Chicken:

• Marietta Square – Historic town square with shops, restaurants, and a central park-like area.
• Glover Park – Often hosts events, concerts, and seasonal activities.
• Marietta History Center – For those interested in local history and how Marietta fits into metro Atlanta’s story.

Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta

To the south along Cobb Parkway:

• Home of the Atlanta Braves
• The Battery Atlanta entertainment district with food, shopping, and year-round events
• Around a 10–15 minute drive in light traffic from The Big Chicken

Kennesaw & Beyond

Heading farther northwest:

• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park – Popular for hiking and city views of Atlanta on clear days.
• Suburban neighborhoods and shopping corridors that many Atlanta commuters call home.

Practical Tips for Visiting The Big Chicken

Getting there from key Atlanta areas

• From Downtown Atlanta:

  • Take I-75 North toward Marietta.
  • Exit toward Marietta/US-41/Cobb Parkway.
  • Follow signs to Cobb Parkway/US-41 North.
  • Continue until you reach the intersection with Roswell Street—you can’t miss the structure on your right or left, depending on direction.

• From Midtown:

  • Similar to downtown—head I-75 North, then follow Cobb Parkway north.

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

  • Take I-75 North all the way past downtown toward Marietta.
  • Then follow Cobb Parkway/US-41 as above.
  • Expect 35–60 minutes depending on traffic.

Best times to go

Because it sits at a major intersection, traffic can be heavy:

• Avoid peak rush hours if possible (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays).
• Weekends are usually easier for casual visits and photos.
• Lunchtime gets busy inside the restaurant, like most fast-food spots.

Parking and safety

• There is on-site parking at the KFC.
• For photos, use the restaurant lot and sidewalks, and be careful near the intersection—traffic moves quickly along Cobb Parkway.
• If you’re meeting someone there, agree on a specific spot in the parking lot to make finding each other easier.

How The Big Chicken Fits into Everyday Atlanta Life

For many metro Atlantans, The Big Chicken is:

• A reference point when explaining where neighborhoods or businesses are in east Cobb, Marietta, and surrounding areas.
• A piece of shared local vocabulary—even people who rarely go to Marietta know what it is.
• An easy way to orient yourself if GPS directions feel confusing or if side streets get you turned around.

If you’re moving to Atlanta, especially to areas like Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta, or Kennesaw, it helps to know:

• When someone says “a couple miles past The Big Chicken,” they’re talking about a location along Cobb Parkway/US-41.
• Local businesses and service providers may casually reference it to describe where they’re located.

Is The Big Chicken Worth Visiting If You’re Just in Town for a Few Days?

If you’re visiting Atlanta and:

• Spending time in Cobb County,
• Going to a Braves game, or
• Staying near Marietta or Cumberland,

then yes—it’s an easy, quick side stop that gives you a taste of local character.

If your time is limited and you’re mostly in downtown, Midtown, or east side neighborhoods and not heading toward Marietta, it’s more of a fun extra than a must-see. But for many visitors who like quirky Americana, it’s a memorable photo and an easy story to bring home.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• The Big Chicken is a 56-foot-tall chicken structure attached to a KFC at Cobb Parkway & Roswell Street in Marietta.
• It’s one of metro Atlanta’s most famous navigation landmarks, especially for driving around Cobb County.
• Locals use it constantly in directions and descriptions of the area.
• It’s a quick, free roadside stop for photos, a bite to eat, or as a meetup point before exploring Marietta, The Battery, or nearby attractions.
• If you’re living in or frequently visiting northwest Atlanta, learning where The Big Chicken is will make local conversations and directions much easier to follow.