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Physical Map of Maryland - Geographical Features of Maryland

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

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

Maryland Physical Map

Physical Features of Maryland

Maryland has a diverse landscape that ranges from mountains in the west to coastal plains along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay in the east. The Appalachian Mountains shape the western region with ridges and valleys, while central Maryland features rolling hills of the Piedmont. The eastern part consists of flat coastal plains and wetlands along the Chesapeake Bay, one of the largest estuaries in the United States. Numerous rivers and streams flow into the bay, making water a defining feature of the state.

Major Landforms in Maryland

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Appalachian MountainsMountain rangeWestRugged ridges and valleys
Allegheny PlateauPlateauWestElevated forested region
Ridge and ValleyMountain systemWestParallel ridges and valleys
Piedmont PlateauPlateauCentralRolling hills region
Atlantic Coastal PlainPlainEastFlat lowland region
Chesapeake Bay AreaCoastalCentral-EastLarge estuarine system
Delmarva PeninsulaPeninsulaEastCoastal land extension
Patuxent River BasinBasinCentralMajor drainage basin
Potomac ValleyValleyWestRiver carved valley
Eastern Shore WetlandsWetlandEastMarshy coastal areas

Major Mountain Ranges in Maryland

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Appalachian MountainsWestHoye-Crest3,360 ft
Allegheny MountainsWestBackbone Mountain3,360 ft
Blue Ridge MountainsWestSouth Mountain2,140 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Maryland

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Chesapeake BayBayCentralLargest estuary in U.S.
Potomac RiverRiverSouthwestForms southern boundary
Susquehanna RiverRiverNorthFlows into Chesapeake Bay
Patuxent RiverRiverCentralEntirely within state
Patapsco RiverRiverCentralFlows into Baltimore Harbor
Monocacy RiverRiverWestTributary of Potomac
Deep Creek LakeLakeWestLargest lake in Maryland
Liberty ReservoirLakeCentralMajor water supply
Tidal WetlandsWetlandEastExtensive marsh systems
Atlantic OceanOceanEastCoastal boundary

Elevation and Terrain in Maryland

Maryland’s elevation varies from mountainous terrain in the west to sea level along the Atlantic coast and Chesapeake Bay. Hoye-Crest is the highest point, while the lowest areas lie along the coastline. The terrain includes mountains, hills, and flat coastal plains.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointHoye-Crest – 3,360 ft
Lowest PointAtlantic Ocean – sea level
Average Elevation350 ft
Terrain TypeMountains, hills, coastal plains

Maryland Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateMaryland
Total Area12,407 sq mi
Land Area9,707 sq mi
Water Area2,700 sq mi
Highest PointHoye-Crest
Lowest PointAtlantic Ocean
Longest RiverPotomac River
Largest LakeDeep Creek Lake
Major LandformsAppalachians, Coastal Plain
Main Water BodiesChesapeake Bay, Potomac River
Terrain TypeDiverse elevation landscape
CoastlineAtlantic Ocean coastline