Pennsylvania State Maps

These maps show Pennsylvania's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic Regions, and Ecoregions.

Pennsylvania State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Pennsylvania State

Montour County: 132 sq miles

Largest County in Pennsylvania State

Lycoming County: 1,242 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Pennsylvania State

Mean Area: 525 sq miles

Median Area: 592 sq miles

Major Cities of Pennsylvania State and Their Locations

In Pennsylvania, most major cities are located along rivers or historic transportation routes. Below are some examples:

1. River Ports

Philadelphia: Located along the Delaware River, Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city and a major port. It has been a center for commerce, culture, and politics since colonial times.

Pittsburgh: Situated at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, Pittsburgh is a historic industrial hub known for its steel industry and river trade.

Erie: Located on the shores of Lake Erie, this city serves as Pennsylvania’s only Great Lakes port, facilitating shipping, industry, and tourism.

2. Historic Routes

Harrisburg: The capital city is located along the Susquehanna River, historically an important trade route for goods moving between the interior and coastal regions.

Scranton: Located near historic coal mining regions, Scranton developed as a center of industry and transportation, particularly during the rise of coal and railroads.

Altoona: Situated along the Allegheny Mountains, Altoona is a historic railroad town that played a key role in transportation and industry, especially for the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Williamsport: Known for its location along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Williamsport was once a major center for the lumber industry and is now famous as the home of the Little League World Series.

Topographic Tour of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s landscape varies from coastal plains to mountainous regions. Below are some of the key topographic areas:

1. Allegheny Plateau

This region covers most of northern and western Pennsylvania, characterized by rugged, forested hills and valleys. The Allegheny Plateau is home to significant natural areas like the Allegheny National Forest and numerous state parks.

2. Ridge and Valley

The central part of the state is defined by long ridges and wide valleys, creating a distinct folded landscape. This region is known for its scenic mountain ranges and is home to important agricultural areas nestled in the valleys.

3. Piedmont

In southeastern Pennsylvania, the Piedmont region features rolling hills and fertile farmland, supporting agriculture and urban growth. The region includes cities such as Lancaster and York, known for their historic and agricultural significance.

4. Appalachian Mountains

Running through central Pennsylvania, the Appalachian Mountains provide some of the state’s most dramatic landscapes, including rugged peaks, deep forests, and mountain streams. This area is popular for outdoor activities like hiking, including the Appalachian Trail.

5. Susquehanna River Valley

The Susquehanna River Valley features wide floodplains and fertile agricultural lands. The Susquehanna River, one of the longest rivers in the eastern U.S., plays a critical role in Pennsylvania’s water supply, agriculture, and transportation history.

6. Lake Erie Coastal Plain

In the far northwest of Pennsylvania, the Lake Erie Coastal Plain is a low-lying region along Lake Erie. The area features fertile soils and provides access to the lake, supporting vineyards, orchards, and recreational activities around Erie, Pennsylvania’s only Great Lakes port city.

Physiographic Regions of Pennsylvania

Appalachian Plateaus - Southern New York

This region is characterized by high plateaus and rugged terrain, stretching into northern Pennsylvania. It includes forests, steep slopes, and numerous streams and rivers, making it an important area for timber and water resources.

Blue Ridge - Northern

In southeastern Pennsylvania, this region features high, forested mountains and rolling foothills. The Blue Ridge is known for its scenic vistas, including part of the Appalachian Trail, and contains diverse wildlife and ecosystems.

Valley and Ridge - Middle

This region includes long, parallel ridges and fertile valleys running across central Pennsylvania. It is known for its folded mountain formations and significant agricultural lands located in the valleys.

Central Lowland - Eastern Lake

This region is located in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania near Lake Erie. It includes the Lake Erie Plain, a lowland area with fertile soils used for agriculture, especially fruit cultivation, and a unique coastal ecosystem.

Coastal Plain - Embayed

The southeastern tip of Pennsylvania near the Delaware River and Philadelphia belongs to the Coastal Plain. This region has low-lying flatlands that extend into the Delaware River Estuary, important for transportation, trade, and wetlands preservation.

New England Upland - Northern

This region in northeastern Pennsylvania is characterized by rocky uplands and forested hills. It shares many characteristics with the more rugged New England landscape and is important for forestry and outdoor recreation.

Piedmont - Piedmont Lowlands

The Piedmont Lowlands, found in southeastern Pennsylvania, consist of rolling hills and fertile farmlands. The region is important for agriculture, particularly dairy farming and crop cultivation.

Piedmont - Piedmont Upland

The Piedmont Upland lies just to the west of the Piedmont Lowlands and features higher elevations, rockier soils, and more forested areas. This region supports a mix of agriculture, small towns, and suburban development.

Valley and Ridge - Middle

This region is dominated by long ridges and valleys running through central Pennsylvania. It includes some of the state’s most fertile farmlands, as well as important transportation corridors.

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

1. Gettysburg National Military Park

The site of the Battle of Gettysburg, this park preserves important historical landmarks and provides educational tours for visitors.

2. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Located along the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, this area features scenic cliffs, waterfalls, and river activities like kayaking and fishing.

3. Allegheny National Forest

This large forest covers much of northwestern Pennsylvania, offering hiking, camping, and abundant wildlife habitats.

Ecoregions of Pennsylvania

Allegheny Mountains Section

This ecoregion includes rugged terrain and dense forests in northern Pennsylvania, home to a variety of wildlife. The region is known for its high elevations and heavily forested landscapes, supporting species such as black bears and white-tailed deer.

Blue Ridge Mountains Section

The Blue Ridge Mountains in southern Pennsylvania are known for their high peaks and scenic vistas. This region features diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and mountain streams, making it a popular area for hiking and outdoor recreation.

Erie and Ontario Lake Plain Section

This section includes the low-lying regions along Lake Erie, featuring rich soils and diverse ecosystems. The region is crucial for agriculture, particularly fruit growing, and is also an important area for migratory birds and fish habitats.

Hudson Valley Section

The Hudson Valley Section in northeastern Pennsylvania features rolling hills, forests, and rivers. This ecoregion has been shaped by glaciation and is known for its biodiversity, including many species of birds and hardwood forests.

Lower New England Section

In northeastern Pennsylvania, the Lower New England Section includes forested uplands, lakes, and wetlands. This region supports a mix of hardwood and coniferous forests, and is important for timber production and wildlife conservation.

Northern Appalachian Piedmont Section

The Northern Appalachian Piedmont in southeastern Pennsylvania features rolling hills, valleys, and fertile soils. It is an important agricultural area, with forests, rivers, and diverse habitats for wildlife.

Northern Glaciated Allegheny Plateau Section

Located in northern Pennsylvania, this ecoregion is characterized by glacially carved landscapes, wetlands, and forests. It provides critical habitats for numerous species and is known for its cool climate and abundant water resources.

Northern Ridge & Valley Section

The Northern Ridge & Valley Section in central and eastern Pennsylvania features parallel ridges and valleys formed by folding and faulting. This region includes a variety of forest types, wetlands, and productive farmland in the valleys.

Northern Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau Section

This ecoregion in north-central Pennsylvania is known for its rugged hills, deep forests, and streams. The lack of glaciation in this region has left unique landforms and habitats that support rich biodiversity.

Southern Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau Section

Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, this section is similar to the northern Allegheny Plateau but has not been impacted by glaciation. It features forested hills, steep valleys, and important coal deposits that have historically driven the region’s economy.

Upper Atlantic Coastal Plain Section

The Upper Atlantic Coastal Plain in southeastern Pennsylvania features flat, low-lying land near the Delaware River and Philadelphia. It includes wetlands, estuaries, and urban areas, supporting diverse ecosystems and agricultural lands.

Western Glaciated Allegheny Plateau Section

This ecoregion in northwestern Pennsylvania is characterized by glacial deposits, rolling hills, and a mix of forests, wetlands, and agriculture. It supports diverse wildlife and is an important area for timber production and farming.