Foreword

Introduction

Acknowledgments

Overview

Water Use

Topography of the County

Geology of the County

Groundwater Availability

Exploration for Groundwater

Karst

Water Quality

Maps and Data

Additional Reading

References Cited

Definitions of Geologic Terms

Rock Descriptions

Discussion from McGrain and Currens (1978)

Lee County is near the western edge of the Eastern Kentucky coal field. It is well dissected by normal stream erosion. Upland elevations between 1000 and 1200 feet are typical of most of the area. The north-central and northwestern portions of the county are characterized by cliff-lined valleys and ridges. Underground drainage features are also found in some of the valleys in the northwest sector, modifying some of the normal valley profiles.

The county is drained by the Kentucky River. The Middle and North Forks of the Kentucky River join about 2 miles east-northeast of Beattyville, and the North and South Forks of the Kentucky River join at Beattyville. In this area these streams are entrenched 200 to 300 feet below the adjacent uplands. The lowest elevation in the county is about 610 feet, at the point where, the Kentucky River leaves the county near Old Landing. The Pinnacle, a prominent knob one mile south of Old Landing, is approximately 600 feet above the river.

The highest point in the county, 1,367 feet, is a ridge on the Lee-Owsley County line about 3 1/2 miles southwest of Athol.

The elevation of Beattyville, the county seat, is 666 feet. Elevations at other communities are Athol, 745 feet; Heidelberg, 668 feet; St. Helens, 720 feet; Tallega, 733 feet; and Zachariah, 1,239 feet.

The 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps that cover the county are shown, by name and by index code (Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet) on the index map.

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