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

The 120 Counties of Kentucky and Their Name Origins
- Adair County: Named after John Adair, a governor of Kentucky.
- Allen County: Named for Colonel John Allen, a Kentucky legislator and lawyer.
- Anderson County: Named for Richard Clough Anderson, a soldier in the American Revolutionary War.
- Ballard County: Named for Captain Bland Ballard, a soldier and Indian fighter.
- Barren County: Named for the Barrens, a region of open meadowlands in the area.
- Bath County: Named for the numerous mineral springs in the area, once believed to have healing properties.
- Bell County: Named for Joshua Fry Bell, a Kentucky politician and lawyer.
- Boone County: Named for Daniel Boone, the famous frontiersman and explorer.
- Bourbon County: Named for the French royal family, the House of Bourbon, to honor their support during the American Revolution.
- Boyd County: Named for Linn Boyd, a U.S. Representative from Kentucky and Speaker of the House.
- Boyle County: Named for John Boyle, Chief Justice of the Kentucky Court of Appeals.
- Bracken County: Named for William Bracken, an early settler of the area.
- Breathitt County: Named for John Breathitt, the 11th Governor of Kentucky.
- Breckinridge County: Named for John Breckinridge, a U.S. Senator and Attorney General under Thomas Jefferson.
- Bullitt County: Named for Alexander Scott Bullitt, Kentucky's first Lieutenant Governor.
- Butler County: Named for General Richard Butler, a soldier in the American Revolutionary War.
- Caldwell County: Named for John Caldwell, a Kentucky Lieutenant Governor.
- Calloway County: Named for Colonel Richard Calloway, one of the founders of Boonesborough.
- Campbell County: Named for Colonel John Campbell, a Revolutionary War soldier.
- Carlisle County: Named for John G. Carlisle, U.S. Speaker of the House and Secretary of the Treasury.
- Carroll County: Named for Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- Carter County: Named for Colonel William Grayson Carter, a state senator.
- Casey County: Named for Colonel William Casey, a Kentucky pioneer.
- Christian County: Named for Colonel William Christian, a Revolutionary War soldier and Indian fighter.
- Clark County: Named for George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero and brother of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
- Clay County: Named for Green Clay, a Kentucky politician and soldier.
- Clinton County: Named for DeWitt Clinton, Governor of New York and proponent of the Erie Canal.
- Crittenden County: Named for John J. Crittenden, a U.S. Senator from Kentucky and Attorney General.
- Cumberland County: Named for the Cumberland River, which runs through the area.
- Daviess County: Named for Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, a lawyer and soldier who died at the Battle of Tippecanoe.
- Edmonson County: Named for Captain John "Jack" Edmonson, a soldier who died at the Battle of Frenchtown during the War of 1812.
- Elliott County: Named for John Milton Elliott, a U.S. Congressman and Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals.
- Estill County: Named for Captain James Estill, who was killed in an Indian skirmish during the American Revolution.
- Fayette County: Named for the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
- Fleming County: Named for Colonel John Fleming, an early Kentucky settler.
- Floyd County: Named for Colonel John Floyd, an early explorer of Kentucky and Virginia soldier.
- Franklin County: Named for Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
- Fulton County: Named for Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat.
- Gallatin County: Named for Albert Gallatin, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.
- Garrard County: Named for James Garrard, the second Governor of Kentucky.
- Grant County: Named for Samuel Grant, a Kentucky pioneer.
- Graves County: Named for Major Benjamin Franklin Graves, who died at the Battle of River Raisin during the War of 1812.
- Grayson County: Named for Colonel William Grayson, a Revolutionary War soldier and U.S. Senator from Virginia.
- Green County: Named for General Nathanael Greene, a Revolutionary War hero.
- Greenup County: Named for Christopher Greenup, a Governor of Kentucky.
- Hancock County: Named for John Hancock, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- Hardin County: Named for Colonel John Hardin, a soldier in the American Revolution and Indian Wars.
- Harlan County: Named for Silas Harlan, an early Kentucky pioneer.
- Harrison County: Named for Colonel Benjamin Harrison, an early settler and Kentucky pioneer.
- Hart County: Named for Captain Nathaniel G. S. Hart, a War of 1812 soldier who was killed in the River Raisin massacre.
- Henderson County: Named for Colonel Richard Henderson, an early pioneer and land speculator.
- Henry County: Named for Patrick Henry, a famous orator and Governor of Virginia.
- Hickman County: Named for Captain Paschal Hickman, who died during the War of 1812 at the River Raisin massacre.
- Hopkins County: Named for General Samuel Hopkins, a soldier in the American Revolution and Indian fighter.
- Jackson County: Named for Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States.
- Jefferson County: Named for Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States.
- Jessamine County: Named for Jessamine Creek, which runs through the county.
- Johnson County: Named for Richard Mentor Johnson, a U.S. Vice President from Kentucky.
- Kenton County: Named for Simon Kenton, a frontiersman and soldier in Kentucky's early history.
- Knott County: Named for James Proctor Knott, a Governor of Kentucky.
- Knox County: Named for General Henry Knox, the first U.S. Secretary of War.
- Larue County: Named for John LaRue, an early Kentucky settler.
- Laurel County: Named for the mountain laurel that grows in the area.
- Lawrence County: Named for Captain James Lawrence, a naval officer in the War of 1812.
- Lee County: Named for General Robert E. Lee, a Confederate general during the American Civil War.
- Leslie County: Named for Preston Leslie, a Governor of Kentucky.
- Letcher County: Named for Robert P. Letcher, a Governor of Kentucky.
- Lewis County: Named for Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
- Lincoln County: Named for Benjamin Lincoln, a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
- Livingston County: Named for Robert R. Livingston, a negotiator of the Louisiana Purchase.
- Logan County: Named for Benjamin Logan, a soldier and pioneer in Kentucky's early history.
- Lyon County: Named for Chittenden Lyon, a Congressman from Kentucky.
- McCracken County: Named for Captain Virgil McCracken, who died at the Battle of Frenchtown during the War of 1812.
- McCreary County: Named for James B. McCreary, a Governor of Kentucky.
- McLean County: Named for Judge Alney McLean, a state legislator and War of 1812 soldier.
- Madison County: Named for James Madison, the fourth President of the United States.
- Magoffin County: Named for Beriah Magoffin, a Governor of Kentucky.
- Marion County: Named for General Francis Marion, a hero of the American Revolutionary War known as the "Swamp Fox."
- Marshall County: Named for John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Martin County: Named for Congressman John P. Martin of Kentucky.
- Mason County: Named for George Mason, a Virginia statesman and author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
- Meade County: Named for General George Meade, a Union general during the Civil War.
- Menifee County: Named for Richard Hickman Menefee, a state legislator.
- Mercer County: Named for General Hugh Mercer, a Revolutionary War hero.
- Metcalfe County: Named for Thomas Metcalfe, a Kentucky Governor and U.S. Congressman.
- Monroe County: Named for James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
- Montgomery County: Named for General Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War hero.
- Morgan County: Named for General Daniel Morgan, a soldier in the American Revolution.
- Muhlenberg County: Named for General Peter Muhlenberg, a Revolutionary War hero.
- Nelson County: Named for Thomas Nelson, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- Nicholas County: Named for Colonel George Nicholas, a Virginia statesman and key figure in Kentucky's statehood process.
- Ohio County: Named for the Ohio River, which forms part of its northern boundary.
- Oldham County: Named for Colonel William Oldham, a soldier killed at the Battle of St. Clair's Defeat.
- Owen County: Named for Colonel Abraham Owen, a soldier killed at the Battle of Tippecanoe.
- Owsley County: Named for William Owsley, a Kentucky Governor and U.S. Senator.
- Pendleton County: Named for Edmund Pendleton, a Virginia statesman and jurist.
- Perry County: Named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero of the War of 1812.
- Pike County: Named for General Zebulon Pike, an explorer and soldier.
- Powell County: Named for Lazarus W. Powell, a U.S. Senator and Governor of Kentucky.
- Pulaski County: Named for General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish soldier who fought and died in the American Revolution.
- Robertson County: Named for Judge George Robertson, a jurist and U.S. Congressman from Kentucky.
- Rockcastle County: Named for the Rockcastle River, which runs through the county.
- Rowan County: Named for John Rowan, a U.S. Senator from Kentucky.
- Russell County: Named for William Russell, a Kentucky pioneer and soldier.
- Scott County: Named for General Charles Scott, a Revolutionary War hero and Governor of Kentucky.
- Shelby County: Named for Isaac Shelby, the first and fifth Governor of Kentucky and a Revolutionary War hero.
- Simpson County: Named for Captain John Simpson, a soldier killed at the Battle of River Raisin during the War of 1812.
- Spencer County: Named for Captain Spier Spencer, who was killed at the Battle of Tippecanoe.
- Taylor County: Named for General Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States.
- Todd County: Named for Colonel John Todd, a soldier killed in the Battle of Blue Licks during the American Revolution.
- Trigg County: Named for Stephen Trigg, another soldier killed at the Battle of Blue Licks.
- Trimble County: Named for Judge Robert Trimble, a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Union County: Named to celebrate the federal union of the United States.
- Warren County: Named for General Joseph Warren, a hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill in the American Revolution.
- Washington County: Named for George Washington, the first President of the United States.
- Wayne County: Named for General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero.
- Webster County: Named for Daniel Webster, a famous U.S. statesman and orator.
- Whitley County: Named for Colonel William Whitley, a Kentucky pioneer and Indian fighter.
- Wolfe County: Named for Nathaniel Wolfe, a state legislator from Kentucky.
- Woodford County: Named for William Woodford, a Revolutionary War general.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.