Hillman Heritage Trail

The Hillman Heritage National Recreation Trail located at the Hillman Ferry Campground in the “Land Between The Lakes” is very interesting, having an old stone hut called the Vogle Homestead built around 1872, panoramic views of an abandoned rock quarry, a designated overlook of the lake, and miles of both wooded and lake view trails. This is a scenic hike; however, the drawback is waiting in line at the campground entrance booth to get registered and obtain a temporary hiker’s rear view mirror tag, and having to park a quarter mile away from the trailhead.

The following information is obtained from the “Land Between The Lakes” website (lbl.org): 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 some time 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 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. The trails are open to Hillman campers, as well as the general public, for hiking and biking only. There is a small parking lot on the north (right) side of the Hillman Ferry Campground entrance road, just before the gatehouse, for the general public.

The Bohanon Loop is 2 miles in length, and takes you up and over ridgelines and offers users an excellent opportunity to view wildlife. The Brown Spring Loop is a 0.66-mile trail that winds its way through mature hardwood stands and meanders up and down ridgelines. The James Nickell Loop is 0.48 miles in length and leads hikers to a scenic overlook of Kentucky Lake; the trail follows the ridge top along the edge of Kentucky Lake and then dips back into the bottoms. The Vogle Loop has heritage markers along this 0.94-mile trail that takes you past an old home site and limestone quarry associated with the Star Lime Works District.

Grand Rivers Walking Trail

The Grand Rivers Walking Trail is located in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, which is considered the state’s premier waterfront resort community. With two of the lake region’s finest resort marinas – one on each lake – Grand Rivers offers waterfront cottages and condos and unlimited access to water recreation.

Connecting the two lakes and the two marinas is the heart of Grand Rivers with the nostalgic Main Street feel of simpler times. The town offers shopping from antiques to boutiques and from bikes to biker  apparel. Grand Rivers is made complete with the award winning Patti’s 1880’s Settlement and Restaurant,  and the Badgett Playhouse with up to twenty special productions each year.

In commenting on the walking trail, the Grand Rivers website (www.grandrivers.org) states, “This two mile walking trail takes you from the Jetty at Lighthouse Landing through downtown into Little Lake Park. If you would start at any point along the walking trail and complete the loop from the end of the Jetty to the end  of the walking trail by Little Lake you will travel 2.18 miles. You will have ascended 222 feet and descended 231 feet.”

The Grand Rivers Jetty is located at Lighthouse Landing Resort & Marina on Kentucky Lake. It is named one of the Top 50 Romantic Spots in the Country by Cosmopolitan Magazine. Little Lake Park is located on Commerce Street behind the Badgett Playhouse, and is home to the Grand Rivers Street Dance and the Labor Day Arts & Crafts Festival. The park includes picnic areas and pavilion, bandstand and dance area, basketball court, green space, Little Lake with a small fishing jetty, and playground and parking area.

Jeffers Bend Recreation Area

Jeffers Bend Recreation Area and Environmental Center is located near downtown Hopkinsville, Kentucky off Highway 41A North at the end of Metcalfe Lane. Jeffers Bend consists of 40-acres of grassland, a 1-acre lake, 2.7 miles of hiking and biking trails, and six buildings which once housed the old Hopkinsville Water Treatment Plant.

The Pennyrile Resource Conservation and Development Council formed the North Fork Little River Committee in 1990. Mayor Wally Bryan, being aware of the NFLRC efforts to increase recreation and tourism activities along the river, in the spring of 1995, convened a meeting to talk about saving the old Hopkinsville Water Treatment Plant from demolition for environmental education activities. In August 1997, the groups agreed that the water treatment plant should be saved and developed in memory of former Hopkinsville Mayor, Sherrill L. Jeffers.

From 2000 to 2002, the Pennyrile Resource Conservation and Development Council secured money from various sources totaling $100,400 in order for Gary Burks Construction to install 8,200 feet of compacted gravel trail. A gravel parking lot was installed in 2003. TEA-21 federal money, to be matched on an 80/20 basis by the City of Hopkinsville, was then secured in order to construct about two miles of compacted gravel trails along North Fork of Little River, CSX Railroad, and Metcalfe Lane at Jeffers Bend Environmental Center.

The trails at Jeffers Bend are suitable for hiking and biking, and the main loop follows alongside the North Fork of the Little River through open fields and woodlands. There are opportunities for fishing, canoeing and bird watching along the trails. The main trail actually heads west out of Jeffers Bend alongside Metcalf Lane in order to tie in with the Hopkinsville Greenway behind the Riverside Cemetery; however, the trail alongside Metcalf Lane is barely distinguishable for lack of maintenance.

Kentucky Dam Trail

The region around Kentucky Dam at one time belonged to the Chickasaw Indians. On October 19, 1818, this portion of western Kentucky was acquired by the United States as part of the Jackson Purchase. This famous land transaction added 8,000 square miles to the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. The Chickasaw received $300,000 over a fifteen-year time period for their lands. Former Kentucky Governor Isaac Shelby and General Andrew Jackson of Tennessee negotiated the purchase with the leaders of the Chickasaw Nation.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had originally made field studies regarding the feasibility of building a dam on the Tennessee River, in the vicinity of Eggner’s Ferry. After the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a new field investigation took place that recommended a dam be built near the town of Gilbertville, Kentucky. On May 28, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the act to authorize funding for the construction of a new dam on the Tennessee River. At one and a half miles long and 206 feet high, Kentucky Dam is the largest dam built by the TVA.

On May 19, 1949, the Tennessee Valley Authority officially turned over land to the Kentucky State Parks System for the construction of Kentucky Dam Village. Between 1949 and 1955, the state spent over a million and a half dollars updating and improving this state park. Although the park began with a major group of buildings, the need for recreational facilities to make the park a major resort demanded a large infusion of money. A new 18-hole golf course was installed. There is also a convention center which seats 900, and a 4,000 foot lighted runway for light air traffic.

The Kentucky Dam Trail system is located on both TVA property and state park land. The Tennessee Valley Authority constructed a portion of trail across the top of Kentucky Dam by converting an old road. This section is about one mile in length; and the website tva.com/news states that it should eventually cross the entire dam and tie in with the Livingston County Trail System with some additional funding.

The other section of the trail, which is also about one mile in length, was constructed by the Kentucky State Parks System along the shoreline of Kentucky Lake at Kentucky Dam Village. Both trail sections converge at the parking lot located on New Beach Road, just off of Hwy 641.

Hopkinsville Greenway

The Hopkinsville Greenway is a concrete walking and biking trail system stretching from behind the City of Hopkinsville Police Department to behind the Hopkinsville Christian County Public Library. The Greenway contains one section which is city sidewalk, another portion which is a converted railroad (rail to trail), and another section which is called the River Walk that follows the North Fork of the Little River. The existing Greenway system is “estimated” at around two miles in length.

When walking the Greenway, there is another opportunity to increase your mileage and workout. Start heading north from the Police Department on the sidewalk which follows North Main. When you intersect Means Avenue, go one block east and begin following the gravel walking trail that runs behind the Riverside Cemetery. At the end of the gravel trail, head east on Metcalf Lane where you will soon intersect the hiking trail system at Jeffers Bend Recreation Area.

The Hopkinsville Greenway will soon be expanded with the addition of another three miles of converted railroad, which will tie in with the existing section of rail to trail. Groundbreaking for the phase one expansion took place on Thursday June 27, 2013, according to the Pennyrile Rail Trail Foundation page on  Facebook.

In a recent press conference, Mayor Dan Kemp stated, “We are excited about the tremendous enthusiasm behind this project . . . With over fifty distinct donors, the response to this project has been very positive thanks to the ongoing generosity of our town.” An Internet article states of the Hopkinsville Greenway that “along with other  park redevelopments getting underway this summer, this first class rail trail addition will greatly enhance recreational opportunities for local residents and area visitors alike.”

This same Internet article elaborates, “An ambitious community development project, the rail trail project includes conversion of a five kilometer abandoned railway corridor into safe, accessible greenway space. This proposed public/private collaboration includes connection to an existing river walk rail trail conversion, development of three trailheads and a neighborhood connector. Offering convenient access to users, the trails will include trailheads established adjacent to parks, trails, pavilions, restrooms, play areas, and playgrounds.”

Audubon State Park

On October 3, 1934, the Commonwealth of Kentucky dedicated the John James Audubon State Park. Some of the members of the crowd attending the dedication included members of the Henderson Audubon Society. Founded in 1898 to preserve the legacy of the great American artist and naturalist, John James Audubon (1785-1851), the Society had worked for over three decades to establish a fitting memorial.

In 1930, the Henderson Audubon Society requested $100,000 from the Federal government to help construct an Audubon Museum. A bill introduced in Congress to appropriate money for the Audubon project failed to pass. Undeterred, local citizens continued to raise funds for the proposed museum. By 1934, 275 acres had been acquired through donations and purchase. Work began on the John James Audubon State Park on October 3, 1938.

The Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) Number 1540 constructed cabins, gardens, shelter houses, picnic areas, a lake, trails, and a museum. Architects Donald Corley representing the WPA and Barnard Stebbins of Kentucky designed the Audubon Memorial Museum building. The structure contains many of the artist’s oils and watercolors, along with personal belongings and furniture belonging to the Audubon family. 

John James Audubon State Park has nearly six miles of hiking trails. The location of this trail system can be deceptive, leading one to believe the routes will traverse gradual slopes and rolling hills. Before I hiked here, I read an Internet article stating that some people use the trails as training for hikes in the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Trail; and now I see why. There are numerous steep climbs; making it one of the toughest trails I have hiked in western Kentucky.

A recent auction purchase by a local group of park supporters of a 649-acre tract of land bordering the park may soon serve to further diversify the recreational accessibility of Audubon. Julie McDonald, the Program Services Supervisor at Audubon, says there is a possibility that the land acquisition would allow for more handicap trail access. There is also potential to significantly expand the existing hiking trail system.

Higginson-Henry WMA

On December 5, 1942, the United States Army began purchasing properties totaling 36,000 acres in Henderson, Union, and Webster Counties, which became Camp Breckinridge Military Reservation. Part of the land purchased was the Richards Estate, owned by Revolutionary War soldier Lewis Richards. Camp Breckinridge was an active military base during World War II through the Korean War.

In June of 1968, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources purchased 5,424 acres from the United States Army later designated as Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area. In was named in memory of George T. Higgins, D.M.D. and C. D. Henry, Kentucky State Police, who died tragically in a boating accident while duck hunting on the Ohio River in 1964.

The Higginson-Henry Wildlife Management Area is located along Hwy 56 and Hwy 141 in Union County, approximately two miles east of Morganfield, Kentucky. The majority of the 5,424 acre management area, owned by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, is forest land containing small streams and lakes; and has over ten miles of hiking and equestrian trials traversing it.

One of the Area’s main attractions is 82-acre Lake Mauzy, named in memory of Caspian W. Mauzy, Conservation Education Supervisor and Conservation Officer who served in Union County. There is also a Viewing Area and Learning Lab at the Area named in honor of Mr. Lee K. Nelson, retired Wildlife Biologist, Researcher and Author; and there are camp sites for primitive camping located at Lake Mauzy.

Cadiz Walking & Bike Trail

The Cadiz Walking & Bike Trail is located along the Little River in downtown Cadiz, Kentucky; extending from the Old U.S. 68 hill behind the town band stand, to the Army Core of Engineers “Cadiz Recreation Area” park, all the way around to the Cadiz Sewer Treatment Plant on Franklin Street. The actual sign for the trail is found near the Cadiz Water Works on Albert Street; however, this sign is located near the halfway point of the hike. I would recommend starting behind the town band stand and descending the Old U.S. 68 hill.

This trail is comprised of sections of blacktop, gravel, and dirt. The blacktop portion is along the Old U.S. 68 route. From there, and heading west, the trail is dirt until you reach the old Cadiz Water Works ruins and city spring. You will then cross a walking bridge and pick up the gravel section, which heads west under the Hwy 139 bridge until you reach the public fishing dock. From there, the trail is more of a dirt four-wheeler path onward to the Cadiz Recreation Area and beyond until you arrive at the Sewer Treatment Plant.

I spoke with an employee of the Cadiz Water Works who said the trail was originally planned and paid for by a grant and volunteer labor many years ago. The trail has been highly overlooked, since the addition of the Cadiz Railroad Trail, and is now somewhat run down. Since the trail is located along the Little River, it gets flooded at certain times of the year, washing away the gravel. It is also being abused by unsanctioned four-wheeler use. In fact, the far western portion of the trail, leading to the Sewer Treatment Plant is primarily a  dirt four-wheeler path.

With all its drawbacks, the Cadiz Walking & Bike Trail is a scenic place to hike. It provides a wilderness feel right in the heart of town, without having to drive ten to twenty miles to reach one of the nearby state parks. With a good volunteer team and some rules prohibiting unsanctioned four-wheeler traffic, this trail could become really nice.

Livingston County Trail System

The Livingston County Trail System is located immediately south of I-24 off of KY 453 on the right hand side of the road. It is behind the “Cheers” gas station and convenience store, and behind the “America’s Best Value Inn” on Lodge Road. There are two main parking areas: one is located next to the “Exit 31 RV  Park,” and the other is directly behind the “America’s Best Value Inn.”

The main Blue Trail is a two-mile loop hiking trail that consists of hard pack gravel. It is interconnected with the three-mile long Green Bike Trail, which is paved and also handicap accessible. By taking a detour at the half way point along the Blue Trail, by following the paved Green Bike Trail toward the south, you can view the old “Indian Burial Ground.” There will be signs to direct you there.

The Blue Trail begins by meandering along a ridge line before opening up into a field, with a view of the United States Flag atop a 60 foot  pole, and also a view of the I-24 Bridge over the Cumberland River. The trail then loops down and back up through an old cemetery, climbing another ridge before descending to the other parking area. In order to complete the loop, you must walk east on Lodge Road, and then work your way to the back parking lot of “America’s Best Value Inn.”

Kenlake State Park

The Commonwealth of Kentucky began negotiations with the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1946 to lease a portion of land known as Aurora Landing. The land was situated on the western shore of Kentucky Lake near the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge. This leased land would be used as a state park dedicated to recreation.

The Tennessee Valley Authority leased an initial 1,146 acres to Kentucky. After the land transfer was officially completed on March 13, 1948, the new park at Aurora Landing was named Kentucky Lake State Park and joined the commonwealth’s state parks system. By the 1970’s, the name of the park was shortened to “Kenlake State Park.”

Kenlake State Resort Park has two short hiking trails; the 0.7-mile-long Cherokee Trail and the 1-mile-long Chickasaw Trail. The blog “My Own 100 Hikes” elaborates on how the names of these two trails are derived from the Chickasaw Indians who once lived here, and the Cherokee Indians who walked through  this area during the Trail of Tears march from Georgia to Oklahoma.

In addition to the two long-established marked trails, one can also walk the paved trails of the recently closed nine-hole golf course. There are also some other short trails located near the eastern amphitheater area of the park.

Canal Loop Trail

In the 1960’s a canal was constructed between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, thus making the “Land Between The Lakes” the largest inland peninsula in the United States. This canal is located immediately south of the small town of Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Heading south of the canal on Hwy 453, also known as the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, you will encounter the North Welcome Station. Here, just to the east of the parking lot, you will locate the main trailhead leading to the Canal Loop Trail.

The Canal Loop Trail is a 14.2 mile trail system that includes four connector trails. The section located to the west of the North Welcome Station provides some of the most scenic vistas in the park. In this section you will find some steep climbs and switchbacks leading to a high bluff overlooking Kentucky Lake. The Canal Loop Trail is highly  trafficked by hikers and mountain bikers; therefore, having less weeds and tall grass, providing a clear and wide trail to hike if you are wishing to stay clear of those pesky ticks and critters.

Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail

The Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail runs parallel to US 68 and KY 80, east and west between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, providing an opportunity for a twelve mile long “bridge-to-bridge” hike or bike ride. This trail is the result of a mitigation project for the completed four-lane highway. Trails Unlimited, one of the Forest Service’s seventeen Enterprise Units, helped design and construct the trail. A Land Between The Lakes press release shares the following information about this trail:

“We designed this family-friendly trail with smooth surfaces, gentle grades, and trailside rest areas,” stated Bill Ryan, ‘Land Between The Lakes’ Trails Manager. “The paved 3.2 miles of the eastern portion of the trail provides shoreline views of Lake Barkley as well as wildlife viewing opportunities in adjacent  open areas. The 8.5 miles of the central and western portions were developed using a compacted stone surface. Here, visitors will explore rolling hills and ridge tops of a central hardwood forest ecosystem.” Ryan added, “Seven access points give visitors multiple opportunities to bike and hike different sections of the Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail.”

The same press release also states: Visitors will enjoy a variety of seasonal and scenic diversity along the six foot wide Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail. Spring and summer showcase vibrant wildflowers, lush plants, and a canopy provided by the hardwood trees. Fall and winter give way to an array of colors, as well as deep woodland views from ridges and narrow valleys. Outdoor enthusiasts will also encounter  twelve bridges along the trail. Come outside and play at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area!

I spoke with a trail worker while on a recent hike, and discovered some information little known to the public. When the new bridges over Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are completed, they will include a special side-lane which will extend the Central Hardwoods Scenic Trail across both lakes. In fact, I was told that plans are in the makings to  extend the trail to Kenlake State Park to the west, and to Lake Barkley State Park to the east. This future expansion will add nearly ten more miles to the trail; not to mention, create a vacation haven for hikers and bikers!