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

The 67 Counties of Pennsylvania and Their Name Origins
- Adams County: Named for John Adams, the second President of the United States.
- Allegheny County: Named after the Allegheny River, a significant waterway in western Pennsylvania.
- Armstrong County: Named for John Armstrong, a General in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
- Beaver County: Named for the Beaver River, which runs through the county.
- Bedford County: Named after Fort Bedford, which in turn was named for the Duke of Bedford in England.
- Berks County: Named after Berkshire, England, the county from which William Penn's family originated.
- Blair County: Named after John Blair, a prominent figure in the early development of the area.
- Bradford County: Named for William Bradford, a former U.S. Attorney General and prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War.
- Bucks County: Named after Buckinghamshire, England, the county of origin of some of the early settlers.
- Butler County: Named for General Richard Butler, a Revolutionary War hero.
- Cambria County: Cambria is the Latin name for Wales, chosen due to the area's large Welsh immigrant population.
- Cameron County: Named after Simon Cameron, U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania and Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln.
- Carbon County: Named for its significant coal deposits, as "carbon" refers to coal's chemical composition.
- Centre County: So named because of its location in the geographic center of Pennsylvania.
- Chester County: Named after Chester, England, an ancient Roman city.
- Clarion County: Named after the Clarion River, a key feature of the county's landscape.
- Clearfield County: Named for the "clear fields" created by early settlers for farming.
- Clinton County: Named for DeWitt Clinton, a Governor of New York and the driving force behind the Erie Canal.
- Columbia County: Named after Christopher Columbus, an important figure in early American history.
- Crawford County: Named after Colonel William Crawford, a soldier and surveyor who was a close friend of George Washington.
- Cumberland County: Named after Cumberland, England, the ancestral home of some of Pennsylvania's early settlers.
- Dauphin County: Named in honor of the Dauphin of France, the title held by the heir apparent to the French throne, to honor French support during the American Revolution.
- Delaware County: Named for the Delaware River, which in turn was named after Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr, an early colonial governor.
- Elk County: Named after the elk that were once plentiful in the region.
- Erie County: Named for Lake Erie, which forms the county’s northern boundary.
- Fayette County: Named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolution.
- Forest County: Named for its dense woodlands and forests.
- Franklin County: Named for Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States.
- Fulton County: Named for Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat.
- Greene County: Named after General Nathanael Greene, a prominent commander in the American Revolutionary War.
- Huntingdon County: Named after the Countess of Huntingdon, Selina Hastings, a notable supporter of the Methodist movement.
- Indiana County: Named after the Indiana Territory, reflecting the widespread interest in westward expansion at the time of its creation.
- Jefferson County: Named for Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States.
- Juniata County: Named after the Juniata River, a significant feature in the region.
- Lackawanna County: Named after the Lackawanna River, which flows through the county.
- Lancaster County: Named after Lancaster, England, the home of some of the area's early settlers.
- Lawrence County: Named for the USS Lawrence, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship during the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812.
- Lebanon County: Named after the ancient Middle Eastern city of Lebanon, mentioned in the Bible, chosen by early settlers for its rich religious and historical significance.
- Lehigh County: Named after the Lehigh River, an important waterway in the region.
- Luzerne County: Named for Chevalier de la Luzerne, French minister to the United States during the American Revolution.
- Lycoming County: Named after the Lycoming Creek, with "Lycoming" derived from a Native American word meaning "great stream."
- McKean County: Named for Thomas McKean, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and former Governor of Pennsylvania.
- Mercer County: Named after General Hugh Mercer, a hero of the American Revolution who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Princeton.
- Mifflin County: Named for Thomas Mifflin, the first Governor of Pennsylvania.
- Monroe County: Named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.
- Montgomery County: Named after Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War general who was killed in the Battle of Quebec.
- Montour County: Named after Andrew Montour, a prominent interpreter and negotiator between Native American nations and European settlers.
- Northampton County: Named after Northamptonshire, England, the ancestral home of many early settlers.
- Northumberland County: Named after the English county of Northumberland.
- Perry County: Named after Oliver Hazard Perry, a naval hero of the War of 1812.
- Philadelphia County: Named for the city of Philadelphia, which means "brotherly love" in Greek.
- Pike County: Named after Zebulon Pike, the explorer for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado is named.
- Potter County: Named for James Potter, a General in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
- Schuylkill County: Named after the Schuylkill River, with "Schuylkill" being a Dutch word meaning "hidden river."
- Snyder County: Named after Simon Snyder, former Governor of Pennsylvania.
- Somerset County: Named after Somerset, England, the ancestral home of many early settlers.
- Sullivan County: Named for John Sullivan, a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
- Susquehanna County: Named for the Susquehanna River, one of the longest rivers in the eastern United States.
- Tioga County: Named for the Native American word meaning "at the forks," referring to a meeting of rivers.
- Union County: Named to reflect the union of the American colonies that became the United States.
- Venango County: Named for the Native American word meaning "a figure standing in a fork of a stream."
- Warren County: Named after General Joseph Warren, a hero of the American Revolutionary War who was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
- Washington County: Named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.
- Wayne County: Named for General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero known for his military exploits.
- Westmoreland County: Named for Westmorland, England.
- Wyoming County: Named after the Wyoming Valley, which itself derives from the Native American word meaning "large plains."
- York County: Named after York, England, one of the historic cities of the British Isles.

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.