Powell County, Kentucky

Home to part of the Red River Gorge, Powell County is located in east-central Kentucky. Stanton serves as the county seat and sits near the center of the county.

One of the county’s biggest attractions is its access to some of the best rock climbing in the state. U.S. Route 15 runs through the area.

Powell County’s natural beauty draws thousands of visitors each year, especially to places like Natural Bridge State Resort Park. A massive sandstone arch there offers panoramic views of the surrounding forest.

CategoryDetails
County NamePowell County
County SeatStanton
EtymologyNamed after Lazarus W. Powell, a Governor of Kentucky
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesStanton, Clay City, Slade, Nada, Bowen
Interstates and HighwaysKY-11, KY-15, KY-82
FIPS Code21-197
Total Area (Land and Water)180 sq mi (Land: 179 sq mi; Water: 1 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Montgomery County (North), Menifee County (Northeast), Wolfe County (Southeast), Lee County (South), Estill County (Southwest), Clark County (Northwest)
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
PopulationApproximately 13,000
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.8437° N, 83.8270° W
Major LandmarksNatural Bridge State Resort Park, Red River Gorge, Nada Tunnel
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