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Physical Map of Alabama - Geographical Features of Alabama

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of Alabama showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other Alabama physical features.

Alabama Physical Map

Physical Features of Alabama

Alabama’s landscape shifts noticeably from the rugged uplands of the Appalachian region in the north to the flat coastal plains bordering the Gulf of Mexico in the south. The northern part features ridges, valleys, and plateaus, while central Alabama transitions into rolling hills and fertile farmland. Numerous rivers, including the Tennessee and Alabama Rivers, carve through the state, creating rich valleys. In the south, low-lying plains, wetlands, and barrier islands dominate the terrain, giving Alabama a mix of mountainous, riverine, and coastal environments.

Major Landforms in Alabama

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Appalachian PlateauPlateauNorthElevated rugged flatlands
Ridge and ValleyMountain systemNortheastParallel ridges and valleys
PiedmontUplandEastRolling hills terrain
Coastal PlainPlainSouthFlat sandy lowlands
Tennessee ValleyValleyNorthWide fertile river valley
Cumberland PlateauPlateauNorthRocky elevated terrain
Black BeltPlainCentralDark fertile soil region
Fall Line HillsHillsCentralTransition upland zone
Mobile DeltaWetlandSouthExtensive river delta system
Gulf Coastal BeachesCoastalSouthSandy shoreline stretch

Major Mountain Ranges in Alabama

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Appalachian MountainsNorthCheaha Mountain2,413 ft
Blue Ridge MountainsEastCheaha Mountain2,413 ft
Ridge and Valley AppalachiansNortheastFlattop Mountain1,910 ft
Cumberland PlateauNorthHawksbill area1,800 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Alabama

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Tennessee RiverRiverNorthLongest river in state
Alabama RiverRiverCentralMajor drainage system
Tombigbee RiverRiverWestNavigation route
Coosa RiverRiverEastHydroelectric power source
Black Warrior RiverRiverWestIndustrial transport corridor
Mobile BayBaySouthLarge estuary system
Gulf of MexicoOceanSouthSouthern coastal boundary
Lake GuntersvilleLakeNorthLargest lake in Alabama
Wilson LakeLakeNorthTVA reservoir
Mobile-Tensaw DeltaWetlandSouthRich biodiversity area

Elevation and Terrain in Alabama

The elevation in Alabama ranges from mountainous high points in the northeast to sea level along the Gulf Coast. Cheaha Mountain marks the highest elevation, while the lowest point lies along the coastal shoreline. The terrain transitions from rugged plateaus and ridges to rolling hills and eventually flat plains and wetlands.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointCheaha Mountain – 2,413 ft
Lowest PointGulf of Mexico – sea level
Average Elevation500 ft
Terrain TypeMountains, hills, plains

Alabama Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateAlabama
Total Area52,420 sq mi
Land Area50,645 sq mi
Water Area1,775 sq mi
Highest PointCheaha Mountain
Lowest PointGulf of Mexico
Longest RiverTennessee River
Largest LakeLake Guntersville
Major LandformsAppalachians, Coastal Plain
Main Water BodiesTennessee River, Mobile Bay
Terrain TypeVaried highlands and plains
CoastlineGulf of Mexico coastline