Where is Maryland Located in the United States?

Maryland is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from coastal plains to mountains, as well as its proximity to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. The state is bordered by four other U.S. states and has access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Chesapeake Bay, making it a significant location for shipping, military installations, and tourism. The postal abbreviation for Maryland is MD, and the state has a population of approximately 6.1 million people. Maryland covers an area of 12,407 square miles, making it the 42nd largest state by area. The state capital is Annapolis, while the largest city is Baltimore. Maryland became the 7th state to join the Union in 1788. The state operates in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

Bordering States

Virginia

To the south and west, Maryland shares a long border with Virginia, defined largely by the Potomac River. The two states have strong economic and cultural ties, particularly in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, where both states contribute to the workforce of the nation’s capital. Cities like Bethesda, Maryland, and Alexandria, Virginia, are vital suburban hubs in this region. The shared access to the Chesapeake Bay also contributes to both states’ economies through maritime industries and tourism.

Pennsylvania

To the north, Maryland borders Pennsylvania, with the Mason-Dixon Line traditionally serving as the boundary between the two states. This border is historically significant, as it was once considered the dividing line between the northern and southern states. The region is agriculturally rich, with both states benefiting from shared farming and manufacturing industries. Cities like Hagerstown, Maryland, and York, Pennsylvania, are economically linked, with transportation routes like Interstate 81 connecting the two states.

West Virginia

To the west, Maryland shares a border with West Virginia, mostly following the Potomac River. The rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains in this region fosters strong tourism and outdoor recreational industries, particularly for hiking and camping. The town of Harpers Ferry, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is a historic and scenic area that draws visitors from both states. West Virginia’s coal industry also impacts the economy of western Maryland.

Delaware

To the east, Maryland borders Delaware, with the boundary largely influenced by the Delmarva Peninsula, which is shared by both states. This region is known for its agriculture, fishing, and poultry industries. Cities like Salisbury, Maryland, and Dover, Delaware, are key economic hubs on the peninsula. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay also promotes tourism and recreational activities in this region, with both states benefiting from coastal tourism.

GPS Coordinates

Maryland is geographically located between 37°53′ N and 39°43′ N latitude and 75°03′ W and 79°29′ W longitude, placing it in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The state’s diverse topography includes everything from the Atlantic Coastal Plain in the east to the Appalachian Mountains in the west, providing a wide range of climates and environments. Maryland’s southernmost latitude, at 37°53′ N, is located near the border with Virginia, in St. Mary’s County, while the northernmost latitude, 39°43′ N, is located at the Mason-Dixon Line, which serves as the boundary with Pennsylvania.

The easternmost longitude, at 75°03′ W, is located near Ocean City, Maryland’s popular Atlantic Ocean resort town. This area is part of the state’s Atlantic Coastal region and is significant for its tourism and beach-related industries. The westernmost longitude, at 79°29′ W, is near Garrett County, in the Appalachian region, where Maryland’s landscape becomes more mountainous and forested. This part of Maryland is known for its outdoor recreation, particularly in the Deep Creek Lake area.

Maryland’s central location along the Eastern Seaboard and its proximity to Washington, D.C., make it an important transportation and economic hub. The state is well connected by major highways like Interstate 95, which runs north-south along the U.S. East Coast.

Levels of Elevation

Maryland’s elevation varies widely across the state, from sea level along the coast to more elevated regions in the west. The lowest point in Maryland is at sea level, where the state’s coastline meets the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. The eastern part of Maryland, including the Delmarva Peninsula, is characterized by flat, low-lying terrain and is home to coastal cities like Ocean City and Cambridge.

The highest point in Maryland is Backbone Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 3,360 feet (1,024 meters) above sea level. Located in Garrett County, in the far western part of the state, Backbone Mountain is part of the Appalachian range and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and camping. The surrounding area is a popular destination for nature lovers, with Deep Creek Lake providing additional opportunities for water sports and leisure activities.

Much of central Maryland, including the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis, lies at moderate elevations between 100 and 500 feet above sea level, with rolling hills and river valleys that contribute to the state’s diverse landscapes.

Most Extreme Points of the State

Maryland’s geographic extremities reflect its varied terrain, from the coastal plains to the mountainous regions.

• Northernmost point: Maryland’s northernmost point is located at the Mason-Dixon Line, which marks the border with Pennsylvania. This point lies near the town of Lineboro, in Carroll County, a largely rural area known for its agricultural activity.
• Southernmost point: The southernmost point of Maryland is located in St. Mary’s County, near Point Lookout, where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay. This region is rich in history, particularly from the Civil War era, and serves as a popular site for outdoor recreation, especially fishing and boating.
• Easternmost point: The easternmost point of Maryland is near the town of Ocean City, located on the Atlantic coast. Ocean City is one of Maryland’s premier tourist destinations, offering sandy beaches, a boardwalk, and a variety of ocean-related activities.
• Westernmost point: The westernmost point of Maryland is located near the town of Oakland, in Garrett County, part of the Appalachian region. This area is known for its elevated terrain and outdoor recreation, including the popular Deep Creek Lake area.

Major Mountains

Though Maryland is not widely known for its mountainous terrain, the western part of the state is home to the Appalachian Mountains, which stretch across Allegany and Garrett Counties. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Allegheny Mountains are part of this region, offering scenic views, forested landscapes, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities.

Backbone Mountain is Maryland’s highest point at 3,360 feet, located near the West Virginia border in Garrett County. The mountain offers excellent hiking trails, including the popular Hoye-Crest Trail, which leads to the state’s highest peak. The surrounding Savage River State Forest provides additional opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

The Catoctin Mountain range, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, runs through central Maryland. It is home to Catoctin Mountain Park and Camp David, the U.S. presidential retreat. The area offers hiking, camping, and historical sites like the Cunningham Falls, the state’s largest cascading waterfall.

Major Rivers and Lakes

Maryland’s waterways are integral to its geography, economy, and recreation. The most prominent river is the Potomac River, which forms the natural boundary between Maryland and Virginia. The Potomac flows through major cities such as Washington, D.C., and serves as a key waterway for commerce, recreation, and fishing. Along its banks are important landmarks such as the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the historic town of Harpers Ferry.

Another significant waterway is the Patuxent River, which flows through central Maryland and plays a critical role in the state’s agriculture, industry, and environmental conservation. The river supports various activities, including fishing, boating, and birdwatching, as it passes through suburban and rural landscapes.

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and dominates Maryland’s eastern region. The bay is vital to the state’s economy, supporting fishing, shipping, and tourism industries. The bay’s tributaries, such as the Susquehanna and Patapsco Rivers, are essential for transportation and provide vital ecosystems for wildlife.

Deep Creek Lake, located in Garrett County, is the largest inland lake in Maryland and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. Surrounded by state parks and forested areas, Deep Creek offers year-round recreational opportunities and attracts visitors from across the region for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities.