Topography
 

Discussion from McGrain and Currens (1978)

Magoffin County is in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field. It is a well-dissected upland typical of the Cumberland Plateau area.

Ridgetop elevations generally range from 1,100 feet in the northern part of the county to 1,400 feet in the southern part, and local relief ranges from 300 feet in the northern part to 400 feet or more in the southern part.

The highest elevations are in the southern part of the county along and near the drainage divide between Licking and Big Sandy Rivers. The highest elevation, 1,640 feet, is on the Magoffin-Floyd County line near the southeastern tip of the county.

The lowest elevations and the location of the main areas of flat lands are along the valley of the Licking River, which crosses Magoffin County from southeast to northwest. The lowest point, approximately 785 feet, is the elevation of Licking River where it leaves the northwestern boundary of the county.

The communities are located in the valleys. The elevation of Salyersville, the county seat, is 854 feet. Other elevations are Ivyton, 954 feet; Royalton, 890 feet; Seitz, 884 feet; Tiptop, 1,040 feet; Wheelersburg, 856 feet; and Wonnie, 819 feet.

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

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