Where is Kentucky Located in the United States?

Kentucky is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. Bordered by seven other states, Kentucky plays a vital role in connecting the Midwest to the Southeast. Known for its rich history, cultural traditions, and natural beauty, Kentucky is home to a variety of landscapes, from mountains to rivers and lakes.

State Facts:

  • State Name: Kentucky
  • Postal Abbreviation: KY
  • Population: Approximately 4.5 million
  • Area: 40,408 square miles
  • Capital: Frankfort
  • Largest City: Louisville
  • Statehood Year: 1792 (15th state to join the Union)
  • Time Zones: Eastern and Central

Bordering States

Kentucky shares its borders with seven states, each contributing to its unique geographic and cultural identity.

Tennessee

To the south of Kentucky lies Tennessee. The two states share a 422-mile border. Tennessee’s diverse landscape, ranging from the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River in the west, complements Kentucky’s own geographical diversity. Tennessee is known for its contributions to country music and the blues.

Virginia

East of Kentucky is Virginia, with which it shares a mountainous boundary. This border runs along the Appalachian Mountains, including the Cumberland Plateau, contributing to both states’ natural beauty. Virginia is historically significant as one of the original 13 colonies and is known for its historical landmarks.

West Virginia

Kentucky’s northeastern neighbor, West Virginia, shares a border defined largely by the Big Sandy River and Tug Fork. This area is part of the Appalachian region, known for its coal mining heritage and rugged mountain terrain.

Ohio

To the north of Kentucky lies Ohio, separated primarily by the Ohio River. The river has long served as an important commercial waterway, and it forms one of the most significant geographical boundaries for Kentucky. Ohio is part of the Midwest and plays a vital role in American industry and transportation.

Indiana

Also bordering Kentucky to the north across the Ohio River is Indiana. Like Ohio, the Ohio River forms a natural boundary between the two states. Indiana is known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in the production of corn and soybeans, which complements Kentucky’s own agricultural output.

Illinois

To the west of Kentucky, Illinois shares a border marked by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The southern part of Illinois, known as Little Egypt, has a geography and climate similar to that of Kentucky. The fertile plains of this region have made it agriculturally significant for both states.

Missouri

Missouri, located to the west across the Mississippi River, shares a shorter boundary with Kentucky. Missouri’s rolling plains and forests resemble Kentucky’s western landscapes. This state is historically significant as a gateway to the West.

GPS Coordinates

Kentucky’s location can be pinpointed with its geographic coordinates, which span both eastern and western hemispheres of the state.

The central GPS coordinates of Kentucky are approximately 37.8393° N latitude and 84.2700° W longitude. These coordinates place Kentucky in the heart of the southeastern United States. The latitude indicates that Kentucky lies in the temperate zone, with four distinct seasons and varied weather patterns across the state.

Northern Kentucky, which includes the cities along the Ohio River like Covington and Newport, lies at a latitude closer to 39° N. In contrast, southern Kentucky, near the Tennessee border, has coordinates near 36.5° N, placing it further south. Similarly, the eastern part of the state, where the Appalachian Mountains dominate, is at a longitude of about 82° W, while western Kentucky near the Mississippi River can be found at a longitude close to 89° W.

These varying GPS coordinates reflect Kentucky’s geographical diversity, stretching across both the eastern and central parts of the U.S. Kentucky’s coordinates also influence its climate and elevation levels, contributing to a range of agricultural products and natural habitats.

Levels of Elevation

Kentucky’s elevation varies significantly from east to west, offering a diverse range of landscapes and elevations throughout the state.

The highest point in Kentucky is Black Mountain, located in Harlan County along the Virginia border. Black Mountain rises to 4,145 feet above sea level, making it a prominent feature of the Appalachian region. This part of Kentucky is known for its rugged terrain, steep mountains, and deep valleys.

In contrast, the lowest point in Kentucky is where the Mississippi River meets the state’s westernmost boundary, in Fulton County. This area is just 257 feet above sea level, and its flat plains make it a region known for agriculture, particularly in crops like corn, soybeans, and tobacco.

Kentucky’s central region, which includes cities like Lexington and Frankfort, has an average elevation of around 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level. This part of the state features rolling hills and the famous bluegrass region, home to Kentucky’s thoroughbred horse farms.

The elevation influences Kentucky’s weather patterns and natural features, with the eastern mountains experiencing cooler temperatures and more rainfall, while the western plains are warmer and drier. This variety in elevation contributes to the state’s rich biodiversity and its reputation for outdoor recreational activities.

Most Extreme Points

Kentucky’s geography extends across its easternmost, westernmost, southernmost, and northernmost points, each providing unique characteristics to the state.

  • Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of Kentucky is located near the town of Lick Creek in Pike County, along the border with West Virginia. This area is part of the Appalachian Mountains and is characterized by steep hills and forested landscapes. It is a region historically associated with coal mining and rich Appalachian culture.
  • Westernmost Point: Kentucky’s westernmost point is in Hickman, located in Fulton County, where the Mississippi River creates a natural boundary with Missouri. This area is part of Kentucky’s Purchase region, known for its flat terrain and agricultural output, particularly in corn and soybeans.
  • Southernmost Point: The southernmost point of Kentucky is near the community of Arat in Monroe County, just north of the Tennessee border. This rural area is characterized by rolling hills and farmland, typical of the southern parts of Kentucky. It is located near the Cumberland River, a major waterway in the region.
  • Northernmost Point: Kentucky’s northernmost point is found in Covington, a city located directly across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio. Covington is part of the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area and serves as an important commercial and cultural hub for northern Kentucky.

These extreme points illustrate the geographical diversity of Kentucky, from its mountainous eastern border to the flat agricultural plains in the west. Each region contributes to the state’s overall economy, culture, and natural beauty.

Major Mountains

Kentucky is home to numerous mountain ranges, primarily located in the eastern part of the state, which is part of the Appalachian region.

The Appalachian Mountains run through eastern Kentucky, creating some of the most rugged and scenic landscapes in the state. The highest peak, as mentioned earlier, is Black Mountain, which rises to 4,145 feet. The mountain is located in Harlan County and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Cumberland Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachians, also extend into southeastern Kentucky. These mountains form part of the boundary between Kentucky and Virginia and are characterized by their steep ridges and deep valleys. The Cumberland Gap, a natural pass through the mountains, played a significant role in early American westward expansion and is now a popular national historical park.

Another notable range is the Pine Mountain range, which runs for approximately 125 miles through southeastern Kentucky. Pine Mountain is known for its biodiversity, with many rare plant and animal species found in the region. The Pine Mountain State Resort Park offers hiking, camping, and scenic views of the surrounding area.

The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River cuts through a rugged, mountainous area in southeastern Kentucky and northeastern Tennessee. This region is known for its cliffs, gorges, and waterfalls, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

Kentucky’s mountainous regions are not only important for their natural beauty but also for their cultural significance. Many of the state’s mountain communities have preserved traditional Appalachian music, crafts, and folklore, making the mountains a key part of Kentucky’s identity.

Major Rivers and Lakes

Kentucky’s landscape is also shaped by its numerous rivers and lakes, which play an essential role in the state’s economy, transportation, and recreational activities.

The Ohio River forms the northern boundary of Kentucky, separating it from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. As one of the most important rivers in the United States, the Ohio River has been a vital waterway for trade and transportation since the early days of American settlement. Major cities like Louisville and Covington are located along the Ohio River, which provides drinking water, transportation, and recreation to millions of residents.

The Cumberland River flows through southern Kentucky and into Tennessee before emptying into the Ohio River. The river has played a significant role in the history of the region, particularly in transportation and agriculture. Today, the Cumberland River is also a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. The Lake Cumberland reservoir, created by the damming of the Cumberland River, is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States and is a major tourist attraction.

The Kentucky River runs through the central part of the state, winding through the Bluegrass region and passing by the state capital, Frankfort. The river’s scenic beauty, with its steep cliffs and lush forests, makes it a popular destination for kayaking and fishing. The Kentucky River also played a key role in the development of the bourbon industry, with many distilleries located near its banks.