Hillman Heritage is a set of short connected loops in the woods around Hillman Ferry Campground. The appeal is not a single summit or overlook: the trails trace old roads and the remains of the Star Lime Works community, then give you several ways to make the walk shorter or longer.
Network: about 5.5 miles total
Choices: Bohanon 2 miles; Vogle 0.94; Brown Spring 0.66; James Nickell 0.48
Use: walking and biking
Start: Hillman Ferry Campground entrance area
Hours: dawn to dusk
Parking and registration
Hillman Ferry Campground is at 820 Hillman Ferry Road near Grand Rivers. The Forest Service lists a small public parking lot just before the gatehouse. Hikers and cyclists who are not camping at Hillman Ferry must register at the gatehouse before using the trails. Do not assume a campground entrance is an unrestricted trailhead.
Pick a loop
Bohanon is the backbone of the network and connects to the other loops. Vogle brings the heritage markers, old homesite and limestone-quarry story into the walk. James Nickell follows a ridge toward a Kentucky Lake overlook. Brown Spring is a short woodland option, though it can be linked to others. The map matters at junctions: adding a connector changes the distance.
The Forest Service rates hiking here generally easy, with conditions becoming harder after weather. Biking takes more care on these paths. Water is not available along the trails; the gatehouse is the listed potable-water point.
Download the official Hillman Heritage map (PDF) · Check current Forest Service alerts · Plan Hillman Ferry camping