Kentucky State Maps

These maps show Kentucky State’s Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.



Kentucky County Map

The 120 Counties of Kentucky and Their Name Origins

Kentucky County Sizes Map

Kentucky State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Kentucky State

Gallatin County: 104 sq miles

Largest County in Kentucky State

Pike County: 791 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Kentucky State

Mean Area: 320 sq miles

Median Area: 346 sq miles

Kentucky Major Cities Map

Major Cities of Kentucky State and Their Locations

1. Louisville

Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, located on the Ohio River. It is known for its role as a transportation hub and for the famous Kentucky Derby horse race held annually. The city's vibrant downtown, cultural institutions, and historic districts make it a central hub for business and tourism in the state.

2. Lexington

Lexington, located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region, is known for its horse farms and as the "Horse Capital of the World." It serves as a cultural and economic center for Central Kentucky and is home to the University of Kentucky, a major research institution.

3. Bowling Green

Bowling Green, located in south-central Kentucky, is known for being the home of the National Corvette Museum and the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant. Western Kentucky University is also located here, and the city plays an important role in regional commerce and education.

4. Frankfort

Frankfort is the capital city of Kentucky, located along the Kentucky River. Despite its small size compared to Louisville and Lexington, Frankfort holds historical and political significance as the state's seat of government. Visitors can explore the Kentucky State Capitol and the Old State Capitol, both iconic landmarks.

5. Richmond

Richmond is located in eastern Kentucky and is home to Eastern Kentucky University. As a growing city, Richmond plays a key role in education and serves as a gateway to outdoor recreational areas in the Appalachian foothills. It is also noted for its rich Civil War history.

6. Paducah

Paducah, located in western Kentucky near the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, is known for its arts and cultural scene, particularly its National Quilt Museum. The city's riverfront and historical significance as a port town have made it an important regional hub.

7. Madisonville

Madisonville, located in the western part of Kentucky, is known as the "Best Town on Earth" for its community-focused atmosphere and convenient location along Interstate 69. The town is central to coal mining and agricultural industries in the region.

8. Somerset

Somerset is situated in south-central Kentucky near Lake Cumberland, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. It also serves as a regional economic and healthcare center for the surrounding rural areas. The city's tourism industry thrives during the summer months with lake activities.

9. Ashland

Ashland, located in northeastern Kentucky along the Ohio River, is an industrial city with a strong history in steel production and manufacturing. Today, it is known for its arts and cultural festivals, as well as its riverfront park, which draws visitors for recreation and local events.

10. Madison

Madison is a growing community that serves as a bedroom community for nearby metropolitan areas. It is known for its blend of suburban and rural settings, providing a high quality of life for families while maintaining proximity to larger cities.



Kentucky State Shaded Relief Map

Topographic Tour of Kentucky

1. Appalachian Plateaus

The Appalachian Plateaus region in eastern Kentucky includes rugged terrain with deep valleys and steep ridges, covered by dense forests. This region is known for its coal deposits and provides opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation, especially in the Daniel Boone National Forest.

2. Central Lowland

This region features gently rolling hills and flatlands, supporting agriculture and settlement. It extends into the northern part of Kentucky and includes the fertile Bluegrass region, renowned for its horse farms and lush pastures. The topography here is characterized by karst landscapes with sinkholes, caves, and limestone formations.

3. Bluegrass Region

Located in central Kentucky, the Bluegrass Region is one of the most famous areas of the state, known for its fertile soil and limestone-rich terrain that supports the equine industry. The rolling hills and horse farms create an iconic pastoral landscape. The area is also home to the cities of Lexington and Frankfort, along with historical estates and thoroughbred horse farms.

4. Cumberland Plateau

The Cumberland Plateau, located in southeastern Kentucky, is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain chain. This area is characterized by rugged, forested mountains, waterfalls, and gorges. The Cumberland Falls, known as the "Niagara of the South," is a major attraction. The area offers some of the best hiking, rock climbing, and camping spots in the state.

5. Knobs Region

The Knobs Region forms a horseshoe-shaped band around the Bluegrass Region, featuring conical hills or "knobs" that rise sharply from the surrounding terrain. These steep, isolated hills are often forested, and the region is a transitional area between the low-lying Bluegrass and the rugged Appalachians. This area is known for its scenic beauty and geological diversity.

6. Mississippi Alluvial Plain

In the far western part of Kentucky, near the Mississippi River, lies the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. This flat, low-lying area is rich in wetlands and floodplains, making it a prime region for agriculture, especially the cultivation of crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. The area is also known for its proximity to the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, which provides transportation routes and economic benefits.

7. Highland Rim

The Highland Rim is located in southern and western Kentucky and is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, interspersed with limestone outcrops and small streams. The region is part of the Interior Low Plateaus and features large areas of farmland and hardwood forests. The Mammoth Cave system, the longest cave system in the world, is found in this region, making it a key area for tourism and exploration.

8. Pennyroyal Plateau (Mississippian Plateau)

The Pennyroyal Plateau, also known as the Mississippian Plateau, lies to the west of the Bluegrass Region and is characterized by gently rolling terrain and expansive farmland. The area features limestone caves, sinkholes, and springs, indicative of its karst topography. Mammoth Cave National Park, one of the most famous geological features in the state, is located here. The region also produces much of Kentucky's tobacco crop.

9. Shawnee Hills

The Shawnee Hills lie in the far western part of Kentucky and extend into Illinois. This region is known for its deeply dissected hills, forests, and sandstone bluffs. The terrain here is more rugged than the nearby Mississippi Alluvial Plain, with ridges and valleys that provide scenic overlooks and natural beauty. It is an area rich in biodiversity, supporting a variety of plant and animal life.

10. Western Coal Fields

The Western Coal Fields, located in the northwestern part of Kentucky, are known for their flat to gently rolling terrain. The region's rich deposits of bituminous coal have historically supported a strong coal mining industry. In addition to its economic significance, the area is dotted with reclaimed mining lands that have been transformed into wildlife habitats, lakes, and recreational areas.

Kentucky Federal Lands Map

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest cave system, offering underground tours, hiking, and unique geological formations. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, making it one of Kentucky's most visited and significant natural attractions.

Daniel Boone National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest covers much of eastern Kentucky, providing outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and exploring scenic vistas. The forest spans over 700,000 acres and is home to scenic landmarks like the Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Beaver Creek Wilderness

Beaver Creek Wilderness, located within Daniel Boone National Forest, is a rugged and remote area in southeastern Kentucky. Covering approximately 4,791 acres, it offers solitude and primitive hiking through dense forests, steep cliffs, and narrow valleys. This wilderness is a designated area for those looking to explore undisturbed natural habitats with minimal human impact.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (NRA)

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee border, covering 125,000 acres. The Kentucky portion offers breathtaking river gorges, sandstone cliffs, and lush forests. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, white-water rafting, and camping in this region that protects the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its surrounding natural beauty.

Clifty Wilderness

Clifty Wilderness, also within Daniel Boone National Forest, is a rugged 12,646-acre wilderness area located near the Red River Gorge. It is characterized by its steep cliffs, arches, and waterfalls. Popular among hikers and rock climbers, Clifty Wilderness is home to several challenging trails that offer scenic views and a rich diversity of plant and animal life.

Lake Barkley

Lake Barkley, a large man-made reservoir, is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ management and is located in western Kentucky. Together with Kentucky Lake, it forms the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a major destination for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Lake Barkley is surrounded by campgrounds, hiking trails, and beautiful lakefront parks, making it a prime spot for outdoor recreation.



Kentucky Ecoregions Map

Ecoregions of Kentucky

1. Interior Low Plateau, Bluegrass Section

This region is characterized by fertile soils and gently rolling hills, ideal for horse farms and agriculture. It is located in central Kentucky and is famous for its limestone-rich terrain, which contributes to the region’s agricultural productivity and equine industry. The Bluegrass Section is home to Lexington, known as the "Horse Capital of the World."

2. Upper Gulf Coastal Plain Section

Located in the southwestern part of Kentucky, this section includes gently sloping plains with diverse ecosystems supporting agriculture and forestry. The region’s low-lying topography and mild climate make it suitable for growing crops like corn and soybeans. It also features wetlands and riparian habitats along major rivers like the Mississippi.

3. Northern Cumberland Mountains Section

Situated in the Appalachian region, this area features rugged, forested mountains and deep valleys, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. It includes part of the Daniel Boone National Forest and is known for its coal mining history. The Northern Cumberland Mountains offer some of the most scenic vistas in Kentucky, including steep ridges and fast-flowing streams.

4. Northern Cumberland Plateau Section

This section is located to the west of the Cumberland Mountains and features rolling hills and dissected plateaus. The region is primarily forested with mixed hardwoods and is known for its abundant wildlife. It is also home to recreational areas like Lake Cumberland, where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping.

5. Southern Cumberland Mountains Section

Similar to the Northern Cumberland Mountains, the Southern Cumberland Mountains feature steep slopes and dense forests, but they are generally more remote and less developed. This region includes wilderness areas that are ideal for hiking and nature observation, such as the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

6. Southern Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau Section

This region, part of the larger Allegheny Plateau, is located in eastern Kentucky. The terrain is rugged, with steep slopes, deep hollows, and narrow ridges. The Southern Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau is rich in coal deposits and is also known for its dense hardwood forests. It includes parts of the Appalachian Mountains and provides habitats for a wide variety of species.

7. Interior Low Plateau, Highland Rim Section

The Highland Rim Section, located in southern Kentucky, consists of rolling hills, karst topography, and numerous caves. The region is known for its agricultural lands and small, rural communities. Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world, is located in this section and is a major tourist destination.

8. Interior Low Plateau, Shawnee Hills Section

In the western part of Kentucky, the Shawnee Hills Section is characterized by rugged, hilly terrain and deep valleys. This region is less developed than other parts of the state and is covered with hardwood forests. The Shawnee Hills are a transitional area between the Cumberland Plateau and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.

9. Mississippi Alluvial Basin Section

This section is located in the far western part of Kentucky, adjacent to the Mississippi River. It consists of flat, low-lying floodplains that are highly fertile and used for agriculture. The region’s rich soil supports the growth of crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton. The Mississippi Alluvial Basin is also home to wetlands and swamps that provide critical habitats for wildlife.