Original: It is formed in eastern Kentucky at Beattyville , in Lee County , by the confluence of the North , Middle and South Forks at about 670 feet ( 204 m ) elevation , and flows generally northwest , in a highly meandering course through the mountains , through the Daniel Boone National Forest , then past Irvine and Boonesborough , then southwest , passing south of Lexington , then north through Frankfort .
Simplified: The river is formed in eastern Kentucky at Beattyville , in Lee County , when the North , Middle and South Forks meet at about 670 feet ( 204 m ) .