Ohio State Maps

These maps show Ohio State's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.




Ohio County Map

The 88 Counties of Ohio and Their Name Origins

Ohio County Sizes Map

Ohio State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Ohio State

County: Lake County – 231 sq miles

Largest County in Ohio State

County: Ashtabula County – 710 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Ohio State

Mean Area: Approximately 464 sq miles

Median Area: 444 sq miles

Ohio Major Cities Map

Major Cities of Ohio State and Their Locations

In Ohio State, most major cities are strategically located along historic transportation routes, rivers, and Lake Erie. Below are examples of each type:

1. Cities along Rivers

Cincinnati: Located on the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a major city with historical significance as a river trade hub.

Dayton: Situated along the Great Miami River, Dayton has a rich history in manufacturing and aviation, home to the Wright brothers and significant to transportation routes.

Portsmouth: Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Scioto rivers, Portsmouth historically served as a key port and transportation center.

Columbus: Ohio’s capital city, Columbus, is located along the Scioto River and has become a major center for business, education, and culture.

Springfield: Located along the Mad River, Springfield is known for its historical importance in manufacturing and as a transportation crossroads.

2. Cities on Lake Erie

Cleveland: Situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland has historically served as a major industrial and cultural center, with strong connections to shipping and commerce.

Toledo: Located on the western shore of Lake Erie and along the Maumee River, Toledo is a key port city known for its industrial history and proximity to major waterways.

Ashtabula: This city is situated on Lake Erie and serves as a historic port town known for its role in Great Lakes shipping and its location near several important rail lines.

3. Cities on Transportation Routes and Railways

Columbus: Ohio’s centrally located capital city is a transportation hub, strategically positioned on rail lines and highways that connect the state.

Youngstown: Located along the Mahoning River and major railroad lines, Youngstown has historically been a center for steel production and manufacturing.

Akron: Known as the "Rubber Capital of the World," Akron is strategically positioned near key rail and highway routes that supported its industrial growth.

Canton: Canton grew as a manufacturing center, with its location along railroad lines facilitating its rise as a hub for heavy industry.

Lima: Positioned along major railways, Lima has played a significant role in Ohio’s industrial history, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries.



Ohio State Shaded Relief Map

Topographic Tour of Ohio


Ohio State offers a range of terrains, shaped by its unique geology and natural features. From the low Appalachian Plateaus to the flatlands of the Central Lowland, Ohio presents diverse landforms that are integral to its natural beauty and history.

1. Appalachian Plateaus

The eastern and southeastern portions of Ohio are dominated by the Appalachian Plateaus, where the terrain is rugged and hilly. This area is characterized by dissected plateaus, ridges, and valleys formed by ancient river systems. The region features coal-rich hills and steep forested areas, including parts of Wayne National Forest. The Appalachian Plateau gradually transitions into the Allegheny Plateau as you move eastward.

2. Glaciated Allegheny Plateau

Located in northeastern Ohio, the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau is a unique topographical feature, shaped by ancient glaciers. This region has rolling hills, rounded knobs, and fertile valleys, and is dotted with wetlands and small lakes, including the famous Lake Erie. The glacial retreat left behind a variety of landforms, including moraines, kettle lakes, and flatlands ideal for agriculture.

3. Central Lowland and Till Plains

The central and western portions of Ohio fall within the Central Lowland region, characterized by vast expanses of flat to gently rolling plains. This area was heavily influenced by glaciation, and the resulting till plains are some of the most fertile agricultural lands in the state. Known for its broad, flat fields, this region is one of the most productive agricultural zones in Ohio, supporting corn, soybeans, and wheat production.

4. Lake Erie Shoreline

The northern border of Ohio is defined by Lake Erie, which forms a unique coastal region within the state. The shoreline is characterized by low-lying beaches, sandy dunes, and rocky bluffs. The proximity to the Great Lakes has historically made this area a major hub for shipping, commerce, and recreation. Coastal wetlands, like those found at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, provide crucial habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.

5. Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills region in southeastern Ohio is renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, gorges, waterfalls, and caves. This area was largely untouched by glaciers, allowing erosion to carve out spectacular rock formations, such as Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave. The rugged topography of this region offers some of the most picturesque and popular hiking trails in the state, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from across the country.

6. Ohio River Valley

The southern border of Ohio is defined by the Ohio River, which carved a deep valley along its length. This region is characterized by rolling hills and valleys with rich soils and a long history of agriculture and settlement. The river itself has been a vital transportation route, contributing to the development of cities like Cincinnati and Portsmouth. The Ohio River Valley is also known for its scenic beauty and importance to wildlife.

7. Western Reserve

The Western Reserve, located in northeastern Ohio, is part of the region that was originally claimed by Connecticut. This area is known for its relatively flat terrain, shaped by the glacial scouring that left behind fertile soils ideal for farming. The region's lakes, rivers, and forests provide a scenic backdrop to towns and cities such as Cleveland and Akron.

8. Interior Low Plateau

Located in the southwestern part of Ohio, the Interior Low Plateau is a region of gently rolling hills and valleys. This area, which extends into Kentucky and Indiana, features rich agricultural land as well as scenic limestone valleys and cave systems. Historically, this area was an important agricultural center, with farms, small towns, and a strong cultural heritage.



Ohio Major Cities Map

Physiographic Regions of Ohio

Appalachian Plateaus, Kanawha

The Appalachian Plateaus region, particularly the Kanawha section, covers the southeastern portion of Ohio. This area is characterized by rugged terrain, steep hills, and deeply cut valleys formed by the ancient erosion of the Appalachian Mountains. The region contains significant coal deposits and has a history of coal mining and forestry. The Kanawha section’s hilly landscape is largely forested, with agriculture limited to the valleys and flatter uplands.

Appalachian Plateaus, Southern New York

This section extends into northeastern Ohio, including the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau. The region is characterized by rolling hills, glacial till, and a mix of forests and farmland. Glaciation left behind a variety of landforms, including moraines and drumlins, which add to the complexity of the landscape. This area has fertile soils and is known for agriculture, particularly dairy farming and fruit orchards, along with pockets of woodland and wetlands.

Central Lowland, Eastern Lake

The Eastern Lake section of the Central Lowland covers the northern portion of Ohio along the Lake Erie shoreline. This area features relatively flat terrain, formed by ancient glacial activity, and is known for its rich soils and excellent agricultural productivity. The region is also important for transportation, with major ports along Lake Erie. Wetlands, coastal dunes, and beaches are prominent features along the shoreline, contributing to the region's ecological diversity.

Central Lowland, Till Plains

The Till Plains section of the Central Lowland encompasses much of western and central Ohio. This area is characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain formed by glacial deposits, particularly glacial till. The fertile soils of the Till Plains are among the most productive in the state, supporting extensive agriculture, particularly corn and soybeans. The region also includes numerous small lakes and wetlands, remnants of the state’s glacial past.

Interior Low Plateaus, Lexington Plain

The Lexington Plain, part of the Interior Low Plateaus, is located in the southwestern corner of Ohio. This area is marked by gently rolling hills and limestone bedrock, which creates fertile soils ideal for agriculture. The region also features karst topography, with caves, sinkholes, and springs scattered throughout. The Lexington Plain is a significant agricultural region, with fields of tobacco, corn, and other crops covering much of the landscape.



Ohio Major Cities Map

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

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio's only national park, situated between Cleveland and Akron. It protects over 33,000 acres of lush forests, rolling hills, waterfalls, and historic sites along the Cuyahoga River. The park is renowned for its scenic beauty, including the popular Brandywine Falls and the Towpath Trail, which follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, birdwatching, and learning about the region’s rich history, including Native American heritage and early European settlement.

2. Wayne National Forest

Wayne National Forest is the only national forest in Ohio, covering more than 240,000 acres across the southeastern part of the state. The forest is divided into three units: the Athens, Marietta, and Ironton units. Wayne National Forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The forest also has significant historical and ecological importance, with numerous wildlife species and a mix of oak-hickory forests, wetlands, and rolling hills. The forest also contains areas reclaimed from coal mining, showcasing efforts in forest restoration.

3. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Located along the southwestern shore of Lake Erie, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 6,500 acres of wetlands, marshes, and forests. It serves as an important stopover point for migratory birds along the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways. The refuge is a vital habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and photography, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons when thousands of birds pass through. The refuge also plays a critical role in the conservation of wetlands and the protection of the Lake Erie shoreline.

Ohio Major Cities Map

Ecoregions of Ohio

Central Till Plains, Beech-Maple Section

The Central Till Plains, Beech-Maple Section covers much of western and central Ohio. This ecoregion is characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain, formed by glacial deposits, particularly glacial till. The soils here are fertile and support extensive agriculture, particularly corn and soybean farming. Historically, this region was dominated by beech and sugar maple forests, though much of the original forest cover has been cleared for farming. Small woodlots and forests remain scattered across the landscape.

Erie and Ontario Lake Plain Section

The Erie and Ontario Lake Plain Section encompasses the northern portion of Ohio along the Lake Erie shoreline. This region is known for its flat to gently sloping topography, shaped by ancient glacial activity. The area supports a mix of agriculture, wetlands, and urban development. Lake Erie’s influence creates a relatively mild climate compared to the rest of Ohio, which is ideal for fruit orchards and vineyards. The region also contains important wetlands, such as those found at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, which provide critical habitats for migratory birds.

Interior Low Plateau, Bluegrass Section

The Interior Low Plateau, Bluegrass Section is located in the southwestern part of Ohio, extending into Kentucky. This region is characterized by rolling hills, rich limestone soils, and karst topography, which includes caves, sinkholes, and springs. Historically, the area supported forests of oak, hickory, and chestnut, although much of the land has been cleared for agriculture, particularly tobacco, corn, and livestock. The region's natural beauty and fertile soils make it a productive agricultural area, while its karst features are important for both recreation and biodiversity.

South Central Great Lakes Section

This ecoregion spans the northeastern portion of Ohio and includes the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau. The landscape is a mix of rolling hills, forested areas, and valleys carved by glaciation. The soils are a mix of loams and clay-rich glacial till, making the region suitable for both agriculture and forestry. Historically, this area was covered in beech, maple, and oak forests. While much of the land has been converted to farming, patches of forests and wetlands remain, providing important habitats for wildlife. The proximity to Lake Erie also moderates the climate, supporting diverse ecosystems.

Southern Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau Section

The Southern Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau covers much of southeastern Ohio and is characterized by rugged hills, ridges, and valleys. Unlike other parts of the state, this region was not impacted by glaciation, resulting in steeper and more uneven terrain. The area is heavily forested, with mixed oak, hickory, and maple forests dominating the landscape. Coal mining and logging were historically important industries in this region, although today it is valued for its biodiversity and recreational opportunities, particularly in Wayne National Forest.

Western Glaciated Allegheny Plateau Section

The Western Glaciated Allegheny Plateau is found in northeastern Ohio, where the landscape is a mix of rolling hills and flat areas shaped by glaciation. This ecoregion is part of the broader Allegheny Plateau and is characterized by fertile soils and a mix of farmland, forests, and wetlands. The glacial history of the region left behind numerous lakes, ponds, and wetlands, contributing to its ecological diversity. Forests of beech, maple, and oak were historically common, although much of the land has been converted to agricultural use.