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Physical Map of Kentucky - Geographical Features of Kentucky

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of Kentucky showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other Kentucky physical features.

Kentucky Physical Map

Physical Features of Kentucky

Kentucky features a varied landscape of rolling hills, fertile valleys, and rugged mountains in the east. The Appalachian Mountains dominate the eastern region, while central Kentucky includes the Bluegrass region known for its gently rolling terrain and rich soils. The western part of the state transitions into low plains and river floodplains. Major rivers such as the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers shape much of the terrain, creating a diverse mix of uplands, valleys, and karst landscapes with caves and sinkholes.

Major Landforms in Kentucky

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Appalachian MountainsMountain rangeEastRugged forested terrain
Cumberland PlateauPlateauEastElevated rugged plateau
Bluegrass RegionPlainCentralRolling fertile farmland
Pennyroyal PlateauPlateauCentralKarst landscape region
Jackson PurchasePlainWestFlat lowland region
Western Coal FieldsUplandWestHilly coal mining area
Mississippi EmbaymentBasinWestLow flat basin
Ohio River ValleyValleyNorthMajor river valley
Knobs RegionHillsCentralCone shaped hills
Mammoth Cave AreaKarstCentralExtensive cave system

Major Mountain Ranges in Kentucky

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Appalachian MountainsEastBlack Mountain4,145 ft
Cumberland MountainsEastBlack Mountain4,145 ft
Pine MountainEastPine Mountain Peak3,273 ft
Black Mountain RangeEastBlack Mountain4,145 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Kentucky

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Ohio RiverRiverNorthForms northern boundary
Kentucky RiverRiverCentralMajor internal river
Cumberland RiverRiverSouthFlows into Tennessee
Tennessee RiverRiverWestForms western boundary
Green RiverRiverCentralFlows through cave region
Lake CumberlandLakeSouthLarge reservoir
Kentucky LakeLakeWestLargest lake in state
Lake BarkleyLakeWestConnected reservoir system
Barren River LakeLakeSouthRecreation reservoir
Taylorsville LakeLakeCentralFlood control lake

Elevation and Terrain in Kentucky

Kentucky’s elevation ranges from mountainous terrain in the east to low river plains in the west. Black Mountain is the highest point, while the lowest point lies along the Mississippi River. The terrain includes mountains, plateaus, rolling hills, and fertile valleys.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointBlack Mountain – 4,145 ft
Lowest PointMississippi River – 257 ft
Average Elevation750 ft
Terrain TypeMountains, hills, plateaus

Kentucky Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateKentucky
Total Area40,408 sq mi
Land Area39,486 sq mi
Water Area921 sq mi
Highest PointBlack Mountain
Lowest PointMississippi River
Longest RiverKentucky River
Largest LakeKentucky Lake
Major LandformsAppalachians, Bluegrass
Main Water BodiesOhio River, Kentucky Lake
Terrain TypeDiverse uplands and valleys
CoastlineNo coastline