The packaging pathway of cobalt hexammine-induced DNA condensation on the surface of mica was examined by varying the concentration of Co(NH₃)₆³⁺ in a dilute DNA solution and visualizing the condensates by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Images reveal that cobalt hexammine-induced DNA condensation on mica involves well-defined structures. At 30 µM Co(NH₃)₆³⁺, prolate ellipsoid condensates composed of relatively shorter rods with linkages between them are formed. At 80 µM Co(NH₃)₆³⁺, the condensed features include toroids with average diameter of ~240 nm as well as U-shaped and rod-like condensates with nodular appearances. The results imply that the condensates, whether toroids, U-shaped or rod-like structures have similar intermediate state which includes relatively shorter rod-like segments. The average size of the condensed toroids after incubated at room temperature for 5 h (~240 nm) is much larger than that incubated for 0.5 h (~100 nm). The results indicate that the condensation of DNA by Co(NH₃)₆³⁺ is a kinetic-controlled process.