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Physical Map of New York - Geographical Features of New York

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

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

New York Physical Map

Physical Features of New York

New York features a diverse landscape that includes mountains, valleys, plains, and extensive waterways. The Adirondack Mountains dominate the northeast, while the Appalachian Highlands extend across the southern part of the state. Western and central regions include rolling plains and fertile valleys shaped by glacial activity. The Great Lakes border the state to the west, and the Hudson River flows south to the Atlantic Ocean, creating a major natural corridor. Coastal areas in the southeast include lowlands and estuaries.

Major Landforms in New York

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Adirondack MountainsMountain rangeNortheastHigh forested peaks
Appalachian HighlandsMountain regionSouthRolling hills and ridges
Catskill MountainsMountainsSoutheastDissected plateau region
Tug Hill PlateauPlateauNorthElevated snow prone region
Hudson ValleyValleyEastMajor river corridor
Mohawk ValleyValleyCentralKey transportation route
Great Lakes PlainPlainWestFlat fertile region
Finger Lakes RegionLake regionCentralGlacial lake area
Long IslandIslandSoutheastGlacial coastal island
Allegheny PlateauPlateauSouthwestDissected upland terrain

Major Mountain Ranges in New York

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Adirondack MountainsNortheastMount Marcy5,344 ft
Catskill MountainsSoutheastSlide Mountain4,180 ft
Allegheny MountainsSouthwestAllegany Plateau Peak2,500 ft
Taconic MountainsEastMount Frissell2,454 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in New York

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Hudson RiverRiverEastMajor north south river
St. Lawrence RiverRiverNorthForms border with Canada
Niagara RiverRiverWestIncludes Niagara Falls
Mohawk RiverRiverCentralTributary of Hudson
Genesee RiverRiverWestFlows into Lake Ontario
Lake ErieLakeWestGreat Lakes boundary
Lake OntarioLakeNorthGreat Lakes shoreline
Oneida LakeLakeCentralLargest inland lake
Seneca LakeLakeCentralDeepest Finger Lake
Atlantic OceanOceanSoutheastCoastal boundary

Elevation and Terrain in New York

New York has varied elevation, from mountainous regions in the northeast to low coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean. Mount Marcy is the highest point, while the lowest point lies at sea level along the coast. The terrain includes mountains, plateaus, valleys, and plains.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointMount Marcy – 5,344 ft
Lowest PointAtlantic Ocean – sea level
Average Elevation1,000 ft
Terrain TypeMountains, plains, valleys

New York Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateNew York
Total Area54,555 sq mi
Land Area47,214 sq mi
Water Area7,341 sq mi
Highest PointMount Marcy
Lowest PointAtlantic Ocean
Longest RiverHudson River
Largest LakeLake Erie
Major LandformsAdirondacks, Appalachians
Main Water BodiesHudson River, Great Lakes
Terrain TypeDiverse and varied terrain
CoastlineAtlantic Ocean coastline