ÇàÇà²ÝÊÓÆµ

Physical Map of Arkansas - Geographical Features of Arkansas

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

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

Arkansas Physical Map

Physical Features of Arkansas

Arkansas features a varied landscape that blends mountains, forests, rivers, and lowland plains. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains dominate the northern and western parts of the state, while the Mississippi Alluvial Plain stretches across the east with flat, fertile farmland. Numerous rivers, including the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers, shape the terrain and support agriculture and transportation. Southern Arkansas transitions into timberlands and rolling hills, creating a diverse mix of highlands, river valleys, and delta lowlands across the state.

Major Landforms in Arkansas

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Ozark PlateauPlateauNorthHigh forested upland region
Ouachita MountainsMountain rangeWestFolded east-west ridges
Arkansas River ValleyValleyCentralWide fertile river valley
Mississippi Alluvial PlainPlainEastFlat delta farmland region
Crowley’s RidgeRidgeEastElevated narrow landform
Gulf Coastal PlainPlainSouthRolling forested lowlands
Boston MountainsMountainsNorthwestHighest Ozark subrange
Grand PrairiePrairieCentralFlat grassland region
Saline River LowlandsLowlandSouthWetland river basin
St. Francis BasinBasinEastFloodplain drainage area

Major Mountain Ranges in Arkansas

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Ouachita MountainsWestMount Magazine2,753 ft
Boston MountainsNorthwestTurner Ward Knob2,463 ft
Ozark MountainsNorthBuffalo Lookout2,561 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Arkansas

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Mississippi RiverRiverEastForms eastern border
Arkansas RiverRiverCentralMajor navigation route
White RiverRiverNorthPopular for fishing
Red RiverRiverSouthForms southern boundary
Ouachita RiverRiverWestFlows through mountains
St. Francis RiverRiverEastDelta drainage river
Lake OuachitaLakeWestLargest lake in state
Bull Shoals LakeLakeNorthLarge reservoir system
Lake DardanelleLakeCentralArkansas River reservoir
Greers Ferry LakeLakeNorthClear water recreation lake

Elevation and Terrain in Arkansas

Arkansas ranges from mountainous highlands in the west and north to low-lying delta plains in the east. Mount Magazine is the highest point, while the lowest areas lie along the Mississippi River. The terrain includes mountains, plateaus, valleys, and fertile floodplains.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointMount Magazine – 2,753 ft
Lowest PointMississippi River – 55 ft
Average Elevation650 ft
Terrain TypeMountains, plains, valleys

Arkansas Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateArkansas
Total Area53,179 sq mi
Land Area52,035 sq mi
Water Area1,143 sq mi
Highest PointMount Magazine
Lowest PointMississippi River
Longest RiverArkansas River
Largest LakeLake Ouachita
Major LandformsOzarks, Ouachita Mountains
Main Water BodiesMississippi River, Arkansas River
Terrain TypeHighlands and delta plains
CoastlineNo coastline