Where is Georgia Located in the United States?

Georgia is located in the southeastern United States, known for its diverse geography, rich history, and thriving industries ranging from agriculture to technology. It is bordered by five states: Tennessee to the north, North Carolina to the northeast, South Carolina to the east, Florida to the south, and Alabama to the west. Georgia also has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, contributing to its economy through ports and tourism. The postal abbreviation for Georgia is GA, and the state has a population of approximately 10.7 million people, making it the 8th most populous state in the U.S. Georgia spans an area of 59,425 square miles, ranking as the 24th largest state by area. The capital and largest city is Atlanta. Georgia became the 4th state to join the Union in 1788. The state operates in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

Bordering States

Tennessee

To the north, Georgia shares a border with Tennessee, stretching across approximately 120 miles. The natural geography of this region is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, making the northern border region hilly and forested. Major highways like Interstate 75 and Interstate 24 connect Georgia to Tennessee, facilitating the flow of commerce and tourism between the states. The cities of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Dalton, Georgia, serve as key hubs in this region, known for their historical significance and vibrant industrial activities, particularly in carpet manufacturing. Chattanooga’s proximity to Georgia also supports a shared tourism industry, with visitors drawn to outdoor attractions like Lookout Mountain.

The border area is also important due to the Tennessee River, which flows near the Georgia-Tennessee boundary and provides water resources to both states. The region’s natural beauty, including mountainous landscapes and rivers, supports outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing, which are popular in both states.

North Carolina

Georgia’s northeastern border with North Carolina runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. This border region is characterized by its elevated terrain, cool mountain climate, and dense forests. The towns of Clayton, Georgia, and Highlands, North Carolina, are known for their scenic views and serve as gateways to the recreational opportunities available in the Chattahoochee National Forest and Nantahala National Forest, which straddle the two states. This area is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring waterfalls.

The border also marks the beginning of several important rivers, including the Tallulah River and the Chattooga River, which are famous for white-water rafting and kayaking. These rivers form part of the natural boundary between Georgia and North Carolina, offering thrilling outdoor adventures for visitors. Economically, this region thrives on tourism, outdoor recreation, and small-scale agriculture.

South Carolina

To the east, Georgia shares a long border with South Carolina, which is partly defined by the Savannah River. This river is vital to both states, serving as a natural boundary and a significant source of water for agriculture, industry, and municipalities. The cities of Augusta, Georgia, and North Augusta, South Carolina, are situated along the Savannah River and share economic and cultural ties, particularly through industries like manufacturing and healthcare.

This border region is also important for its role in trade and transportation, as Interstate 95, which runs along the coast, connects Georgia to South Carolina and the broader East Coast. The Port of Savannah, one of the busiest seaports in the United States, facilitates international trade and plays a crucial role in both states’ economies. Coastal tourism is another major industry in this region, with destinations like Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Florida

To the south, Georgia shares a border with Florida, extending for approximately 250 miles. This border region includes rural areas, agricultural lands, and the coastal plains of southeastern Georgia. The St. Marys River forms part of the natural boundary between the two states near the Atlantic coast, while the inland border is defined by flat, agricultural landscapes. The cities of Valdosta, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida, are key economic hubs in this area, with strong ties in industries such as agriculture, logistics, and transportation.

The proximity to Florida influences Georgia’s southern counties culturally and economically, particularly through tourism and migration, as many Floridians travel north for vacation or to relocate to Georgia. Interstate 75 serves as a major transportation corridor, connecting Georgia to central and southern Florida, facilitating trade and tourism between the two states.

Alabama

To the west, Georgia shares a long border with Alabama, running for about 300 miles. This border is marked by several significant rivers, including the Chattahoochee River, which forms part of the boundary between the two states. The Chattahoochee River is essential for water supply, power generation, and recreation in both Georgia and Alabama. The cities of Columbus, Georgia, and Phenix City, Alabama, are situated along this river and share strong economic ties, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and military activities.

This border region is also significant for its historical and cultural connections, particularly in the context of the Civil War and the development of Southern agriculture. The shared history of Georgia and Alabama, along with their reliance on the Chattahoochee River for water and power, fosters strong interstate cooperation in resource management and economic development.

GPS Coordinates

Georgia is located between 30°35′ N and 35° N latitude and 81° W and 85°53′ W longitude, placing it in the southeastern United States. This geographical position gives Georgia a diverse climate, with the state experiencing both subtropical conditions in the southern coastal areas and cooler, more temperate climates in the northern mountainous regions. Georgia’s location makes it an integral part of the U.S. Southeast, with easy access to major markets and transportation corridors, both by land and sea.

The northernmost point of Georgia, at 35° N, is located along the Georgia-Tennessee-North Carolina border in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This area is known for its scenic landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and camping in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The southernmost point of Georgia, located at 30°35′ N, is near the town of St. George, in the flat, rural lands close to the Georgia-Florida border.

In terms of longitude, Georgia’s easternmost point, located at 81° W, lies near the coastal city of Savannah, which is known for its historic architecture, maritime heritage, and vibrant tourism industry. Georgia’s westernmost point, at 85°53′ W, is located near the town of West Point, along the Georgia-Alabama border. This area is part of Georgia’s Piedmont Plateau, where the landscape is characterized by rolling hills and forests.

These GPS coordinates position Georgia within the Eastern Time Zone (ET), making it aligned with the majority of the East Coast states. Georgia’s geographic location contributes to its role as a transportation hub, with Atlanta serving as a major airport and rail center for both domestic and international travel.

Levels of Elevation

Georgia’s elevation varies significantly, from the low coastal plains near the Atlantic Ocean to the high peaks of the Appalachian Mountains in the north. The lowest point in Georgia is at sea level along its Atlantic coast, where cities like Savannah and Brunswick are located. These coastal areas are characterized by their flat terrain, salt marshes, and access to the ocean, which have historically been vital for trade and tourism. The coastal plains, stretching inland from the coast, are used primarily for agriculture, including crops like peanuts, cotton, and pecans.

In stark contrast, the highest point in Georgia is Brasstown Bald, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northeastern part of the state. Brasstown Bald reaches an elevation of 4,784 feet (1,458 meters) above sea level, making it the tallest peak in Georgia. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with clear days offering visibility that extends into the neighboring states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The area around Brasstown Bald is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities.

Between these two extremes, much of Georgia’s landscape is defined by the Piedmont Plateau, which stretches across the central part of the state. This region, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet, is characterized by gently rolling hills, forests, and rivers. The Piedmont is home to major cities like Atlanta, Athens, and Macon, and is a key economic region of the state, known for its urban centers and agricultural productivity.

The Coastal Plain in southern Georgia is much flatter and lower in elevation, with elevations generally under 500 feet. This region is heavily agricultural, with vast expanses of farmland and forested areas. The Okefenokee Swamp, one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the United States, is located in the southern Coastal Plain, near the Georgia-Florida border.

Most Extreme Points of the State

Georgia’s geographic extremities showcase the diversity of its terrain and regions, from mountainous landscapes to coastal areas.

• Northernmost point: Georgia’s northernmost point is located in Dade County, along the Georgia-Tennessee border, near the town of Wildwood. This area is part of the Appalachian region and is characterized by hilly, forested landscapes. The northern part of Georgia, especially around the towns of Dalton and Ringgold, is known for its proximity to Lookout Mountain, a popular destination for hiking and exploring Civil War history.
• Southernmost point: The southernmost point of Georgia is located near the town of St. George in Charlton County, close to the Florida border. This region is part of the Coastal Plain and is known for its flat, agricultural land. The nearby Okefenokee Swamp, a vast wetland area, is a significant feature of southern Georgia, offering wildlife habitats and opportunities for ecotourism.
• Easternmost point: The easternmost point of Georgia is located near the city of Tybee Island, along the Atlantic coast. Tybee Island is a popular tourist destination known for its sandy beaches, historic lighthouse, and coastal charm. The Savannah River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, forms much of the natural boundary between Georgia and South Carolina in this region.
• Westernmost point: Georgia’s westernmost point is found in Harris County, near the town of West Point, along the Georgia-Alabama border. This area is part of the Piedmont Plateau and is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and small towns. The Chattahoochee River flows near this area, serving as a natural boundary between Georgia and Alabama.

Major Mountains

Georgia is home to several significant mountain ranges, particularly in the northern part of the state, where the southernmost peaks of the Appalachian Mountains rise. The most prominent of these mountain ranges is the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the larger Appalachian Mountain chain, which stretches from Georgia all the way to Maine. The Blue Ridge Mountains are located in northeastern Georgia, and this region is known for its stunning natural beauty, cool climate, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to Georgia’s highest peak, Brasstown Bald, which stands at 4,784 feet above sea level. Brasstown Bald offers breathtaking panoramic views, and on a clear day, visitors can see into the neighboring states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The area surrounding Brasstown Bald is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, which is popular for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Another significant mountain range in Georgia is the Cohutta Mountains, located in the northwestern part of the state. The Cohutta Wilderness, which spans parts of Georgia and Tennessee, is one of the largest wilderness areas in the eastern United States. The Cohutta Mountains are known for their rugged terrain, dense forests, and clear mountain streams. The area is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for its extensive network of hiking trails, including sections of the Benton MacKaye Trail.

In addition to the Blue Ridge and Cohutta Mountains, the Ridge and Valley region of northwest Georgia contains numerous ridges and small mountains. This area is characterized by long, parallel ridges separated by valleys, and it extends into Alabama and Tennessee. The Lookout Mountain Range, which is part of this region, offers dramatic views and is famous for attractions like Rock City and Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, a site of historic Civil War battles.

Major Rivers and Lakes

Georgia’s rivers and lakes are vital to its environment, economy, and outdoor recreation. The state is home to several major rivers, many of which have played a significant role in its history and development.

The Chattahoochee River is one of the most important rivers in Georgia, flowing from the mountains of northern Georgia down through the city of Columbus, and forming part of the boundary between Georgia and Alabama. The Chattahoochee River is vital for water supply, particularly for the metropolitan Atlanta area. The river also provides opportunities for recreation, including kayaking, fishing, and hiking along the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The river is dammed in several places, creating lakes such as Lake Lanier, one of the largest and most popular recreational lakes in Georgia.

Another significant river is the Savannah River, which forms much of the border between Georgia and South Carolina. The Savannah River originates in the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows southeastward into the Atlantic Ocean, passing through the historic city of Savannah. The river is a key waterway for shipping and commerce, with the Port of Savannah being one of the busiest ports in the United States. The Savannah River is also important for hydroelectric power generation, drinking water supply, and recreation.

Georgia is also home to the Altamaha River, one of the largest river systems in the state. Formed by the confluence of the Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers near the city of Macon, the Altamaha River flows eastward through the Coastal Plain and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is a vital ecosystem, supporting diverse wildlife and providing habitats for fish, birds, and other species. The Altamaha River is relatively undeveloped, making it an important natural resource for conservation efforts and ecotourism.

Georgia’s largest lake is Lake Lanier, located northeast of Atlanta. Formed by the damming of the Chattahoochee River, Lake Lanier is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is also a crucial water source for the region, including the Atlanta metropolitan area. Other notable lakes in Georgia include Lake Hartwell, located on the Georgia-South Carolina border, and West Point Lake, located on the Chattahoochee River near the Alabama border. These lakes are important for recreation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.