Powell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2010 census, the population was 12,613. Its county seat is Stanton. The county was formed January 7, 1852, by Kentucky Governor Lazarus W. Powell. It is a prohibition or dry county.Powell County is home to Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geologic Area, two of Kentucky's most important natural areas and ecotourism destinations, as well as Pilot Knob State Nature Preserve.