Tennessee State Maps

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




Tennessee County Map

The 95 Counties of Tennessee and Their Name Origins

Tennessee County Sizes Map

Tennessee State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Tennessee State

Trousdale County: 111 sq miles

Largest County in Tennessee State

Shelby County: 781 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Tennessee State

Mean Area: 585.54 sq miles

Median Area: 563.00 sq miles

Tennessee Major Cities Map

Major Cities of Tennessee State and Their Locations

In Tennessee State, most major cities are strategically located near rivers or along historic transportation routes. Below are examples of each type:

1. River Ports

Memphis: Located along the Mississippi River, Memphis is a major river port city and a vital center for transportation and trade.

Nashville: Positioned on the Cumberland River, Nashville is another major city, known for its music industry and vibrant culture.

Dyersburg: Situated near the Forked Deer River, Dyersburg serves as a regional hub for agriculture and commerce in northwestern Tennessee.

2. Historic Paths or Routes

Chattanooga: Situated on the Tennessee River and along historic trade routes, Chattanooga played a crucial role in transportation during the Civil War.

Knoxville: Located on the Tennessee River and near the Smoky Mountains, Knoxville's strategic location has made it an industrial and educational hub.

Columbia: Positioned along the historic stagecoach route, Columbia is known for its rich history and agricultural influence in the state.

Murfreesboro: Located along key routes between Nashville and Chattanooga, Murfreesboro is a growing city with a rich Civil War history and serves as a major educational center with Middle Tennessee State University.

Kingsport: Located near the Holston River, Kingsport has historically been an important city for manufacturing and chemical production, linked by historic railroads and roadways.

Oak Ridge: Known for its pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, Oak Ridge is now a hub for scientific research and innovation in East Tennessee.



Tennessee State Shaded Deep Relief Map

Topographic Tour of Tennessee

Tennessee State offers a diverse range of terrains, shaped by its unique geology, climate, and natural features. From the rugged Appalachian mountain ranges to fertile river valleys, the state presents a rich variety of landforms.

1. Appalachian Mountains

The eastern edge of Tennessee features the Appalachian Mountains, including the Great Smoky Mountains. This region is known for its forested peaks, valleys, and scenic beauty.

2. Cumberland Plateau

Stretching across much of central Tennessee, the Cumberland Plateau is a highland area with steep ridges, deep gorges, and extensive forests. It is a hub for outdoor recreation, offering hiking, camping, and caving opportunities.

3. River Valleys

Tennessee is known for its vital river valleys, including the Tennessee River and Mississippi River. These rivers provide rich agricultural land and have shaped much of the state’s economy.





Tennessee Major Physiographic Regions Map

Physiographic Regions of Tennessee State

Appalachian Plateaus, Cumberland Mountain

The Cumberland Mountains are part of the Appalachian Plateaus in northeastern Tennessee, featuring steep terrain, forested slopes, and coal-rich valleys.

Appalachian Plateaus, Cumberland Plateau

The Cumberland Plateau, also part of the Appalachian Plateaus, stretches across eastern and middle Tennessee. It is known for its rugged terrain, deep gorges, waterfalls, and dense forests, making it a popular area for outdoor recreation.

Blue Ridge, Southern

The southern section of the Blue Ridge in eastern Tennessee includes the Great Smoky Mountains, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and dense forests. This region contains the highest elevations in the state and is a major tourist destination.

Coastal Plain, East Gulf Coastal Plain

The East Gulf Coastal Plain covers southwestern Tennessee, offering gently rolling terrain and fertile soil. This area is important for agriculture, particularly for crops like cotton and soybeans.

Coastal Plain, Mississippi Alluvial Plain

Western Tennessee is part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, a flat region that supports rich agricultural activity, particularly along the Mississippi River. This region also includes wetlands and floodplains that are vital for wildlife habitats.

Interior Low Plateaus, Highland Rim

The Highland Rim forms a part of the Interior Low Plateaus in middle Tennessee, featuring rolling hills, limestone valleys, and fertile farmland. This region surrounds the Nashville Basin and is known for its scenic beauty and agricultural productivity.

Interior Low Plateaus, Nashville Basin

The Nashville Basin lies within the Highland Rim and is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Tennessee. Its low-lying, rich limestone soils support a variety of crops and livestock farming.

Valley and Ridge, Tennessee

Running through eastern Tennessee, this region consists of alternating ridges and valleys, shaped by ancient tectonic forces. The Valley and Ridge region offers important routes for transportation and settlement and is known for its karst topography, including caves and sinkholes.





Tennessee Federal Lands Map

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

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, known for its biodiversity, scenic beauty, and hiking trails. It straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Cherokee National Forest

Located along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Cherokee National Forest offers miles of hiking trails, scenic rivers, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing access to waterfalls, fishing, and camping.

3. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

This area straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky border, offering camping, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a unique natural environment between two large reservoirs: Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.

4. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Located at the junction of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park preserves the famous mountain pass that played a significant role in early American westward expansion. It offers hiking, historical exhibits, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

5. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is the site of significant Civil War battles, preserving the history of these engagements and offering guided tours, walking trails, and interpretive programs that explore the area's military history.

6. Tennessee National Wildlife Refuges (NWR)

a. Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge

Located along Kentucky Lake, this refuge protects waterfowl habitats and is a major spot for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons. The refuge also offers fishing and wildlife observation.

b. Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Hatchie NWR covers bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands, offering protection for a variety of wildlife species. It is popular for fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife photography.

c. Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge

Cross Creeks NWR, located on the shores of Lake Barkley, provides crucial habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife. It offers hiking trails, wildlife observation, and fishing opportunities.

7. Federally Made Lakes

a. Norris Lake

Created by the Norris Dam on the Clinch River, Norris Lake is a popular recreational area offering boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. It is the first lake made by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

b. Dale Hollow Lake

Dale Hollow Lake, located on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, is known for its clear waters and excellent fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass. It also offers camping, boating, and hiking activities.

c. Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, formed by the Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River. It offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and wildlife observation.

8. Wilderness Areas

a. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

This area offers rugged landscapes, deep gorges, and scenic rivers, making it a popular spot for hiking, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting. It protects the Cumberland River's watershed and features several wilderness-designated sections.

b. Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness

Partly located in Tennessee, this wilderness area is famous for its old-growth forests and scenic beauty. It offers hiking opportunities through pristine woodlands with towering trees and rugged landscapes.

c. Savage Gulf State Natural Area

This wilderness area within South Cumberland State Park features deep gorges, waterfalls, and challenging hiking trails, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and adventurers.



Tennessee Major Ecoregions Map

Ecoregions of Tennessee

Blue Ridge Mountains Section

The Blue Ridge Mountains section of eastern Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains, known for its high biodiversity, dense forests, and scenic mountain landscapes. This region features some of the oldest mountains in the world and a wide variety of plant and animal life.

Central Ridge and Valley Section

This region runs through the central part of eastern Tennessee and features a series of parallel ridges and valleys, formed by ancient tectonic activity. It includes fertile valleys and forested ridges, with many rivers and streams cutting through the landscape. The region is vital for agriculture and transportation.

Upper Gulf Coastal Plain Section

The western part of Tennessee falls within the Upper Gulf Coastal Plain, characterized by flat plains and rich agricultural land. The area supports significant farming activities, particularly for crops like cotton and soybeans, and features swamps, wetlands, and lowland forests along the Mississippi River.

Northern Ridge and Valley Section

The Northern Ridge and Valley section is a continuation of the Ridge and Valley Province, extending into northeastern Tennessee. It features alternating ridges and valleys, providing important transportation routes and agricultural lands. This region is known for its karst topography, which includes caves and sinkholes.

Interior Low Plateau, Highland Rim Section

In central Tennessee, the Highland Rim forms part of the Interior Low Plateau, featuring rolling hills and limestone valleys. The Highland Rim surrounds the Nashville Basin and is known for its fertile farmland, forests, and karst features like caves and sinkholes.

Interior Low Plateau, Nashville Basin Section

The Nashville Basin lies in the heart of Tennessee, encircled by the Highland Rim. It is one of the most fertile and agriculturally productive regions in the state, with rich limestone soils that support diverse plant and animal species, including unique cedar glades.

Northern Cumberland Plateau Section

The Northern Cumberland Plateau, located in eastern Tennessee, is characterized by rugged terrain, deep gorges, and sandstone cliffs. It features extensive forested areas and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing.

Southern Cumberland Mountains Section

This region includes the southernmost part of the Cumberland Plateau and the Cumberland Mountains. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, steep ridges, and deep valleys. The area is rich in coal deposits and contains vast forested areas that support diverse ecosystems and outdoor recreational activities.