Hilltop doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Hilltop is a ghost town in Mercer County, Kentucky, United States. Hilltop was located along what is now Kentucky Route 152 3.4 miles (5.5 km) east of Mackville.
The story of Hilltop
Kentucky's ghost towns are coal camps in the eastern mountains and river towns the railroads passed by.
Hilltop is a ghost town in Mercer County, Kentucky, United States. Hilltop was located along what is now Kentucky Route 152 3.4 miles (5.5 km) east of Mackville.
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Hilltop is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.
Getting there
Here's the honest truth: access to Hilltop is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Hilltop is roughly 37.7400, -85.0058 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.
Good to know
Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.
Survey Map
Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting
Hilltop FAQs
01Where is Hilltop located?
02What county is Hilltop in?
03What is the history of Hilltop?
04What remains at Hilltop today?
05Can you visit Hilltop?
Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Hilltop, Kentucky”), CC BY-SA.
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