Geography of New York

New York State has one of the most geographically diverse landscapes of any US state — a product of its position between the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes, and the ancient Appalachian mountain system.

The Hudson River Valley is the geographic spine of eastern New York. The Hudson flows 315 miles from the Adirondacks to New York Harbor, passing through one of the most historically significant corridors in American history. The Hudson Valley has extraordinary scenery — the Catskill Mountains to the west, the Hudson Highlands to the south — and the river itself remains navigable and commercially active.

The Adirondack Mountains in northeastern New York are the highest peaks in the state, with 46 named peaks above 4,000 feet (the "High Peaks"). Mount Marcy at 5,344 feet is the highest point in New York. The Adirondack Park — at 6.1 million acres — is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous US, larger than Yellowstone.

The Catskill Mountains in southeastern New York are the northeastern extent of the Appalachian Plateau. The Catskills rise steeply from the Hudson Valley, reaching peaks around 4,200 feet. The region has historically been a vacation destination for New York City residents and inspired the Hudson River School of 19th-century landscape painting.

The Great Lakes — Lake Erie and Lake Ontario — form New York's western and northern borders respectively. The Niagara River connects the two lakes and carries the Niagara Falls — one of the most powerful waterfalls in North America — before emptying into Lake Ontario.

Long Island extends 118 miles east from New York City into the Atlantic Ocean. It's home to 8 million people — making it the most populous island in the US and the third most populous in the Western Hemisphere after Cuba and Hispaniola.

The Finger Lakes in central New York are 11 long, narrow lakes carved by glacial action during the last ice age. They run roughly north-south, ranging from 2 to 38 miles in length. The region is known for its wine production — particularly Riesling — and state parks.

Highest Point: Mount Marcy, 5,344 feet, in the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness.