This information is a public record of the 1975 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Hillman Heritage Trail

USDA Forest Service Backcountry Trail

Length
5.47 miles
Elevation Gain
--
Route Type
Loop

(1 review)

The trail winds along the ridge tops provide the hiker with a scenic view of Kentucky Lake, various forest habitats, and many species of wildlife including deer wild turkey, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, and bobcats. The oak-hickory hardwood forest also contains dogwood, rebud trees, and spring flowers.

Photo by Donna Kridelbaugh & John Stone.

Upload a Photo

Location: Access from Hillman Ferry Campground on W shoreline of Land Between the Lakes.

States: Kentucky
Counties: Lyon

The 5.47 miles of trails within the Hillman Ferry Campground Woods are listed as a Heritage National Recreation Trail. The trail system often follows old historic roads used by the former Star Lime Works community which was the site of a thriving lime industry that began sometime before the Civil War. The community survived through changes in lime works ownership and many economic fluctuations in the production of lime and limestone until it was disbanded sometime after 1945 due to the construction of the Kentucky Lake Reservoir. Star Lime Works is being recorded as a historic district and the remaining cultural features, landscape, and history are just beginning to be portrayed through interpretive stops along the trail. Current interpretive stops are along Bohanon Loop and Vogle Loop.

Note: there is no backcountry camping allowed off the trail. Camping is available in the campground at the trailhead.

Accessibility Information

No text provided.

Reviews

Donna Kridelbaugh

Sep 16, 2019

NRT Ambassador Review

The Hillman Heritage Trail is located on the northern end of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. It is an approximately 5.5-mile trail system composed of multiple loops and connector trails. We visited the area during the time the campground was closed in the winter but were still able to park at a visitor parking lot just before the main campground gate and walk a short distance in. The main trailhead is located directly behind the Hillman Ferry Campground entrance. From the connector at the main trailhead, we created a double loop trail following the Bohanon and Vogle Loops for a total distance of 3 miles. There are interpretative signs along these two loops that travel by remnants of a limestone quarry and local community that once thrived in this area before the Kentucky Lake Reservoir was created. Vogle Loop provides panoramic views of the lake at a private beach area with strikingly unique rock formations. Unfortunately, these formations had been marked up by graffiti, which marred the natural landscape. Overall, this was an easy hike with many historic and scenic points along the route. Please remember to leave no trace when visiting national recreation trails so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of these places.

Add a Review

Allowed Uses:

Bicycling Swimming Dogs, on leash Hiking/Walking

Other Activities

Camping
Fishing
Wildlife viewing / observation

Public Contact

Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond Visitor Center
Golden Pond Visitor Center information
Golden Pond, KY 42211
(270) 924-20000

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

Elevation (low): 200
Elevation (high): 400
Elevation (cumulative): --

Part of a Trail System? No
Surface (primary): Soil
Surfaces (additional): Soil

Tread Width (average): 72"
Tread Width (minimum): --
Running length (minimum): --

Tread Grade (average, percent): 6
Tread Grade (maximum): 15
Running length (maximum): --

Cross-slope (average, percent): --
Cross-slope (maximum): --
Running length (maximum): --

Certified as an NRT
Oct 31, 1975

Suggest an Edit