New York State Maps

These maps show New York State’s Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.





New York County Map

The 62 Counties of New York and Their Name Origins

New York County Sizes Map

New York State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in New York State

New York County: 27 sq miles

Largest County in New York State

St. Lawrence County: 2,756 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in New York State

Mean Area: 830.7 sq miles

Median Area: 622 sq miles

New York Major Cities Map

Major Cities of New York State and Their Locations

New York State’s major cities are strategically located near rivers, lakes, and important transportation hubs. Below are examples:

1. Coastal and River Cities

New York City: The largest city in New York, located at the mouth of the Hudson River, is a global cultural and financial center.

Buffalo: Situated on Lake Erie and the Niagara River, Buffalo is a major historical industrial hub with a vital location for trade.

Rochester: Located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, Rochester is known for its innovation in technology and strong manufacturing history.

Syracuse: Positioned near the Finger Lakes and along the Erie Canal, Syracuse has a rich industrial and transportation legacy.

Albany: The state capital, Albany is located along the Hudson River and serves as a key political and transportation hub.

2. Cities Near Lakes and Rivers

Saranac Lake: Located in the Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake is a picturesque city known for its outdoor recreation and historical health resort.

Schenectady: Situated along the Mohawk River, Schenectady has a significant history in innovation, particularly as the birthplace of General Electric.

Watertown: Located near the Black River and the eastern end of Lake Ontario, Watertown serves as a gateway to the Thousand Islands and the Adirondacks.

Ogdensburg: Positioned along the St. Lawrence River, Ogdensburg is a key border town with significant historical and trade importance.



New York State Shaded Relief Map

Topographic Tour of New York

1. Adirondack Mountains

Located in the northern part of New York, the Adirondack Mountains are known for their rugged terrain and pristine forests. This region features high peaks, deep lakes, and a diverse range of wildlife.

2. Hudson Valley

Stretching from New York City to Albany, the Hudson Valley is defined by its rolling hills, fertile lands, and scenic views along the Hudson River.

3. Catskill Mountains

South of the Adirondacks, the Catskill Mountains offer rolling hills, deep valleys, and beautiful waterfalls. The region is popular for hiking, skiing, and its lush forests.

4. Finger Lakes

This region, characterized by long, narrow lakes, is famous for its glacial-carved terrain and rolling hills. The Finger Lakes area is renowned for its vineyards and scenic beauty.

5. Niagara Escarpment

Running from Niagara Falls through western New York, the Niagara Escarpment is a long cliff-like ridge that creates dramatic landscapes and is home to the famous waterfalls and gorges of the region.

New York Physiographic Regions Map

Physiographic Regions of New York

Adirondack

The Adirondack region features mountainous terrain with deep lakes and dense forests, offering outdoor recreational activities and a rich biodiversity. It is characterized by rugged peaks, including Mount Marcy, the highest point in New York.

Appalachian Plateaus - Catskill

The Catskill section of the Appalachian Plateaus is known for its rugged, forested mountains and is part of the greater Appalachian Mountain chain. This area is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and skiing, and it forms a key watershed for New York City.

Appalachian Plateaus - Kanawha

This section is characterized by a high plateau with narrow valleys, primarily located in the southwestern portion of the state. It consists of flat-lying sedimentary rocks, and it supports a mixture of forests and agricultural land.

Appalachian Plateaus - Mohawk

The Mohawk section lies along the Mohawk River Valley, a critical transportation corridor in the state’s history. The terrain consists of rolling hills and valleys, with a mixture of urban areas, agriculture, and forested regions.

Appalachian Plateaus - Southern New York

This region consists of low mountains and hills, as well as broad valleys, primarily in the southern tier of New York. It is characterized by rolling farmland, forests, and small towns, with industries like dairy farming being significant here.

Central Lowland - Eastern Lake

This area is part of the larger Central Lowlands and extends along the shores of Lake Ontario. It features relatively flat land, interspersed with drumlins, ridges formed by glacial action. This region supports rich agricultural land and is a key fruit-growing area.

Coastal Plain - Embayed

This region includes the southern part of Long Island and features sandy beaches, dunes, and barrier islands. It is primarily coastal in nature, with low elevations, and is heavily influenced by marine processes from the Atlantic Ocean.

New England - New England Upland

The New England Upland extends into the southeastern part of New York and features rocky, hilly terrain similar to that found in the nearby states of New England. It includes parts of Westchester County and the Hudson Highlands.

New England - Taconic

The Taconic Mountains region lies along the eastern border of New York and is part of the greater Appalachian Mountain system. It is characterized by rugged terrain and forms a prominent natural barrier between New York and Massachusetts.

Piedmont - Piedmont Lowlands

The Piedmont Lowlands cover parts of central and northern New York, featuring rolling hills and fertile valleys. This region includes important agricultural areas, particularly for dairy farming and fruit orchards.

St. Lawrence Valley - Champlain

This region encompasses the St. Lawrence River Valley and Lake Champlain area, characterized by broad, flat valleys and fertile soils. It serves as a key agricultural zone and a major transportation corridor between the U.S. and Canada.

Valley and Ridge - Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley region follows the path of the Hudson River and is marked by a series of ridges and valleys. This area has a rich history as a transportation and trade route and is known for its scenic beauty and fertile land, with numerous vineyards and orchards.

Valley and Ridge - Middle

The Middle Valley and Ridge region encompasses the southern tier of New York and is characterized by long, parallel ridges separated by wide valleys. This area is primarily rural, with a mixture of forests, farmland, and small towns.



New York Federal Lands Map

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in New York

1. Adirondack Park

Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, containing a vast range of mountains, lakes, and forests. It covers over 6 million acres and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

2. Fire Island National Seashore

Fire Island National Seashore is a barrier island with scenic beaches, historic landmarks, and protected ecosystems along the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its natural beauty, wildlife habitats, and opportunities for recreation such as swimming, hiking, and bird watching.

3. West Point U.S. Military Academy

Located along the Hudson River, West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in the United States. It is home to the U.S. Military Academy, a prestigious institution that trains future military officers. The campus is rich in history and offers public tours.

4. Finger Lakes National Forest

Finger Lakes National Forest is the only national forest in New York State, situated between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. It features diverse landscapes of woodlands, pastures, and gorges, with over 30 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

5. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Located in western New York, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge encompasses wetlands, swamps, and forests. It is a vital habitat for migratory birds and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and wildlife photography.

6. Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

Known as "Val-Kill," the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park was the home of the former First Lady. It is the only National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady and offers insight into Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and humanitarian work.

7. Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

Located in Hyde Park, this site preserves the lifelong home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. Visitors can explore the Roosevelt mansion, FDR’s presidential library, and extensive gardens.

8. Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Oyster Bay NWR, located on Long Island, is one of the most important wildlife habitats in the region. It provides critical habitat for marine species, birds, and shellfish. Visitors enjoy boating, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing in this protected area.

9. Saratoga National Historical Park

Saratoga NHP commemorates the site of the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. Visitors can explore the battlefield, visit the visitor center, and hike or bike along park trails to learn about the historic events that took place here.

10. Gateway National Recreation Area

Though primarily in New Jersey, Gateway National Recreation Area includes several sites in New York City, New York Ecoregions Map

Ecoregions of New York

Adirondack Highlands Section

The Adirondack Highlands are characterized by mountainous landscapes, dense forests, and numerous glacial lakes, making it a prime location for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The region also contains a rich diversity of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and a variety of bird species.

Catskill Mountains Section

This section includes rugged terrain, steep slopes, and forested valleys, providing important watersheds for the state. The Catskills are known for their scenic beauty, attracting outdoor enthusiasts for activities such as hiking, skiing, and fly-fishing, as well as being a critical source of drinking water for New York City.

Erie and Ontario Lake Plain Section

This ecoregion lies along the shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and features low-lying plains with fertile soils, ideal for agriculture. The region is also an important migratory route for birds and has numerous wetlands and coastal areas that provide habitat for diverse plant and animal species.

Green, Taconic, Berkshire Mountains Section

This ecoregion spans the eastern part of New York along the borders with Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. It includes the Taconic Mountains, known for their steep, forested slopes, and the Berkshire region, which supports a mix of forests, farmland, and scenic landscapes. The area is rich in history and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Hudson Valley Section

The Hudson Valley is a broad river valley that extends from the southern Adirondacks to New York City. It is marked by fertile soils, forested ridges, and rolling hills. The region plays a critical role in agriculture, producing fruits, vegetables, and wine, and is also known for its rich cultural history and scenic beauty.

Lower New England Section

This section encompasses parts of southeastern New York and shares similarities with the upland regions of New England. It is characterized by rolling hills, small streams, and a mix of forests and farmland. The area supports a variety of plant and animal species, with significant conservation efforts focused on protecting water resources.

Northern Appalachian Piedmont Section

The Northern Appalachian Piedmont includes the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is defined by low, rolling hills and wide valleys, supporting a mix of forested land, farmland, and suburban development. This region is also a key agricultural area and is home to a number of rivers and streams that drain into the Hudson and Delaware Rivers.

Northern Glaciated Allegheny Plateau Section

The Northern Glaciated Allegheny Plateau covers much of western and central New York, featuring gently rolling hills and valleys shaped by glaciation. The region supports a variety of forest types, agriculture, and wetlands. The Finger Lakes are a prominent feature of this ecoregion, which is also a major wine-producing area.

Northern Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau Section

This section extends into southwestern New York and differs from its northern counterpart in that it was not covered by glaciers during the last Ice Age. The area features rugged hills and deep valleys, with large areas of forest and some of the state’s most remote wilderness areas. It is known for its biodiversity and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting and hiking.

St. Lawrence Valley Section

The St. Lawrence Valley is a broad, flat region located in northern New York, near the Canadian border. It is primarily agricultural, with fertile soils that support dairy farming and crop production. The region also has important wetland areas that provide critical habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife.

Western Glaciated Allegheny Plateau Section

Located in the southwestern portion of New York, this region is characterized by glaciated plateaus and rolling hills. The area supports a mixture of agriculture, forests, and wetlands, with an abundance of wildlife and plant diversity. The region is also home to important natural resources, including timber and mineral deposits.