Groundwater Resources of Fleming County, Kentucky

Topography

Discussion from McGrain and Currens (1978)

Two distinct landscapes are present in Fleming County. The western part of the county is in the Outer Bluegrass Region and is characterized by gently rolling hills and mild local relief. Ridgetops, some of which are nearly flat, have elevations ranging between 900 and 1,000 feet. Valleys of the small streams are commonly less than 100 feet lower.

East of a line between Hillsboro and Mount Carmel is a conspicuous escarpment correlative in part with Muldraugh Hill (Highland Rim). Upland elevations east of the escarpment are generally in excess of 1,200 feet. Many of the ridges are flat-topped, reflecting the presence of resistant strata. Slopes are steep, but there is rarely a precipitous bluff. Isolated knobs and ridges rise higher. The highest elevation appears to be in excess of 1,420 feet, a knob on the Fleming-Rowan County line about 3 miles southeast of Plummers Landing.

The Licking River marks much of the western boundary of Fleming County. Its meandering valley is generally entrenched some 200 feet. Locally, the valley and some of its tributaries are widened at the expense of softer rock. The lowest elevation in the county is 590 feet, at the point where the Licking River leaves the county.

The elevation of Flemingsburg, the county seat, is 823 feet. Other elevations include Cowan, 912 feet; Elizaville, 909 feet; Ewing, 940 feet; Grange City, 815 feet; Hillsboro, 868 feet; Mount Carmel, 886 feet; Nepton, 846 feet; Plummers Landing, 765 feet; Poplar Plains, 915 feet; Sherburne, 650 feet; and Wallingford, 795 feet.

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

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