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

The 62 Counties of New York and Their Name Origins
- Albany County: Named after the city of Albany, derived from the Scottish title of the Duke of Albany.
- Allegany County: Derived from a Delaware Indian word for "fine river."
- Bronx County: Named after the Dutch settler Jonas Bronck.
- Broome County: Named after John Broome, lieutenant governor of New York.
- Cattaraugus County: Derived from a Seneca word meaning "bad smelling banks" in reference to petroleum deposits along creeks.
- Cayuga County: Named for the Cayuga Nation, one of the five original Iroquois tribes.
- Chautauqua County: Derived from a Seneca word meaning "bag tied in the middle" or referring to a place where fish are taken out.
- Chemung County: Derived from a Delaware word meaning "big horn" or "horn in the water."
- Chenango County: Derived from an Oneida word meaning "large bull thistle."
- Clinton County: Named after George Clinton, the first governor of New York and Vice President of the U.S.
- Columbia County: Named after Christopher Columbus, a common patriotic reference in early America.
- Cortland County: Named after Pierre Van Cortlandt, the first lieutenant governor of New York.
- Delaware County: Named for the Delaware River, which in turn was named after Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr.
- Dutchess County: Named after Mary of Modena, Duchess of York, the second wife of James II of England.
- Erie County: Named for the Erie Nation, a Native American tribe who once inhabited the area.
- Essex County: Named after Essex in England.
- Franklin County: Named after Benjamin Franklin.
- Fulton County: Named after Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat.
- Genesee County: Derived from the Seneca word meaning "beautiful valley."
- Greene County: Named after Nathanael Greene, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
- Hamilton County: Named after Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.
- Herkimer County: Named after General Nicholas Herkimer, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
- Jefferson County: Named after Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States.
- Kings County (Brooklyn): Named in honor of King Charles II of England.
- Lewis County: Named after Morgan Lewis, the fourth governor of New York.
- Livingston County: Named after Robert R. Livingston, a prominent American statesman and diplomat.
- Madison County: Named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States.
- Monroe County: Named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
- Montgomery County: Named after Richard Montgomery, an American general killed in the Battle of Quebec.
- Nassau County: Named after the House of Nassau, the ruling dynasty of the Netherlands and William of Nassau.
- New York County (Manhattan): Named for the city of York in England.
- Niagara County: Named after the Niagara River, which is derived from an Iroquois word meaning "thunder of waters."
- Oneida County: Named after the Oneida Nation, one of the five original Iroquois tribes.
- Onondaga County: Named after the Onondaga Nation, another Iroquois tribe.
- Ontario County: Named after Lake Ontario, which means "great lake" in the Iroquoian language.
- Orange County: Named in honor of the Prince of Orange, William III of England.
- Orleans County: Named in honor of the House of Orleans, a cadet branch of the French royal family.
- Oswego County: Derived from an Iroquoian word meaning "flowing out" or "small water flowing into larger."
- Otsego County: Derived from an Iroquoian word meaning "place of the rock."
- Putnam County: Named after Israel Putnam, a general in the American Revolutionary War.
- Queens County: Named in honor of Queen Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II of England.
- Rensselaer County: Named after Kiliaen van Rensselaer, the first patroon of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck.
- Richmond County (Staten Island): Named after Charles Lennox, Duke of Richmond.
- Rockland County: Named after the rocky terrain of the area.
- St. Lawrence County: Named after the St. Lawrence River, which in turn was named after Saint Lawrence of Rome.
- Saratoga County: Derived from a Native American word meaning "hillside country of the quiet river."
- Schenectady County: Derived from a Mohawk word meaning "beyond the pines."
- Schoharie County: Derived from a Mohawk word meaning "floating driftwood."
- Schuyler County: Named after General Philip Schuyler, a prominent American Revolutionary War general.
- Seneca County: Named after the Seneca Nation, another of the Iroquois tribes.
- Steuben County: Named after Baron von Steuben, a German officer who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
- Suffolk County: Named after Suffolk in England.
- Sullivan County: Named after Major General John Sullivan, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
- Tioga County: Derived from a Native American word meaning "where it forks."
- Tompkins County: Named after Daniel D. Tompkins, the fourth governor of New York and Vice President of the United States.
- Ulster County: Named after the Ulster province in Ireland.
- Warren County: Named after General Joseph Warren, a hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
- Washington County: Named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.
- Wayne County: Named after General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero.
- Westchester County: Named after the city of Chester in England.
- Wyoming County: Derived from a Lenape word meaning "at the big river flat."
- Yates County: Named after Joseph C. Yates, the seventh governor of New York.

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

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.

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.

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.

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,
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.