Where is Pennsylvania Located in the United States?

Pennsylvania is located in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is one of the original thirteen colonies and is rich in historical significance, particularly as the location of pivotal events during the American Revolution. The state is known for its diverse geography, ranging from bustling urban centers to sprawling rural landscapes. Pennsylvania is a key economic and cultural hub, with major industries including manufacturing, agriculture, and energy production.

State Name: Pennsylvania
Postal Abbreviation: PA
Population: 12.97 million (2023 estimate)
Area: 46,055 square miles
Capital: Harrisburg
Largest City: Philadelphia
Statehood Year: 1787 (2nd state)
Time Zones: Eastern Time Zone

Bordering States of Pennsylvania

New York

To the north, Pennsylvania borders New York. The boundary is defined by a mix of natural and surveyed borders, including part of the Delaware River in the northeast. The southern tier of New York and northern Pennsylvania share cultural and economic similarities, with both regions being known for agriculture, particularly dairy farming. Major transportation routes like Interstate 81 and Interstate 84 facilitate trade and travel between the two states. The cities of Binghamton, NY, and Scranton, PA, are closely connected, both economically and socially. The Appalachian Mountains run through this area, providing outdoor recreation opportunities and scenic beauty.

New Jersey

To the east, Pennsylvania is separated from New Jersey by the Delaware River. The Philadelphia metropolitan area extends across the river into southern New Jersey, creating a highly interconnected region. Major bridges like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Walt Whitman Bridge link Philadelphia with New Jersey cities like Camden and Cherry Hill. Economically, the region benefits from cross-border commuting, tourism, and shared industries. Further north, the Delaware Water Gap offers outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, while the river serves as a vital resource for both states.

Delaware

The southern border with Delaware is short but significant, with historical ties dating back to colonial times. This boundary is defined by the Twelve-Mile Circle, a unique arc-shaped border established during the colonial period. The area near the Delaware-Pennsylvania line, especially around Wilmington, shares close economic ties with southeastern Pennsylvania. Many people commute between the two states for work, particularly in industries such as finance, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Major highways like Interstate 95 connect the two, facilitating trade and travel.

Maryland

Pennsylvania’s southern border with Maryland is defined by the Mason-Dixon Line, a historically significant boundary that once divided the northern and southern United States. Today, the cities of York and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania maintain close ties with Baltimore and Washington, D.C., in Maryland. Major transportation routes, such as Interstate 83, link these regions. Culturally, southern Pennsylvania shares similarities with northern Maryland, particularly in the agricultural and rural communities.

West Virginia

Pennsylvania’s southwestern corner shares a border with the northern panhandle of West Virginia. Although this border is relatively short, it plays a key role in linking Pennsylvania with the Appalachian region. The area around Pittsburgh shares economic ties with West Virginia, particularly in energy production and natural resources. Highways like Interstate 79 connect Pittsburgh to cities like Morgantown, WV. The two states also share cultural similarities in this region, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, coal mining, and Appalachian heritage.

Ohio

To the west, Pennsylvania is bordered by Ohio. This boundary connects two regions with strong industrial histories, especially in cities like Pittsburgh and Cleveland. The shared history of steel production, manufacturing, and energy development has forged deep economic ties between the two states. Major highways like Interstate 76 and Interstate 80 link Pennsylvania’s western cities with northeastern Ohio. In addition to industrial connections, both states share cultural similarities in terms of sports, food, and shared Appalachian traditions.

GPS Coordinates of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s location in the northeastern United States places it at approximate GPS coordinates of 41.2° N latitude and 77.2° W longitude. This position offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, from the densely populated southeast to the forested and mountainous regions in the center and north.

• Northern Coordinates: The northernmost point of Pennsylvania is located near the town of Shunk, close to the New York border, at approximately 42.2695° N latitude. This area is part of the Endless Mountains region, known for its rolling hills and outdoor recreation opportunities. The northern boundary with New York stretches across this area, with rural and agricultural landscapes dominating the scene.
• Southern Coordinates: Pennsylvania’s southernmost point lies along the Mason-Dixon Line, near the town of Delta in York County, at approximately 39.7198° N latitude. This region is close to the Maryland border and is primarily rural, with a mix of farms, forests, and small towns. The Mason-Dixon Line was historically significant as a dividing line between northern and southern states.
• Eastern Coordinates: The easternmost point of Pennsylvania is near Matamoras, along the Delaware River, at approximately 74.6895° W longitude. This area is close to the New Jersey and New York borders and is part of the Delaware Water Gap region, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing. The Delaware River provides a natural boundary between Pennsylvania and its neighboring states.
• Western Coordinates: Pennsylvania’s westernmost point is located near the town of Shenango, close to the Ohio border, at approximately 80.5199° W longitude. This region is part of the Appalachian Plateau and is dominated by forests, rolling hills, and small communities. The border with Ohio is heavily influenced by shared industrial and cultural history, particularly in cities like Youngstown, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA.

These GPS coordinates place Pennsylvania in a strategically important location in the northeastern United States, giving it access to both coastal regions and the interior of the country. Its latitude and longitude provide a mix of climates, from the humid continental conditions in the north and central areas to the milder climates of the southeast.

Levels of Elevation in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s topography is defined by a variety of elevations, ranging from coastal plains in the southeast to rugged mountains in the center and north. The state’s diverse landscapes include everything from rolling hills to high mountain peaks.

• Highest Elevation: The highest point in Pennsylvania is Mount Davis, located in the Allegheny Mountains of Somerset County. It rises to 3,213 feet (979 meters) above sea level. The area around Mount Davis is part of the Appalachian Mountain Range and offers scenic views, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The summit is marked by a lookout tower, providing panoramic views of the surrounding forested hills.
• Lowest Elevation: Pennsylvania’s lowest point is at sea level along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. The riverfront area of Philadelphia is heavily developed, with ports, industrial areas, and urban neighborhoods lining the banks. The Delaware River serves as a critical transportation route for goods and services entering and leaving the state, contributing to Pennsylvania’s economy.
• Average Elevation: The average elevation of Pennsylvania is around 1,100 feet (335 meters) above sea level. Much of the state is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains and the Appalachian Plateau, creating a landscape of rolling hills, valleys, and ridges. The central and northern regions are particularly hilly, while the southeastern part of the state, especially around Philadelphia, is relatively flat.

Pennsylvania’s varied elevations contribute to its diverse climates and ecosystems. The higher elevations in the central and western parts of the state create cooler, more temperate conditions, while the lower elevations in the southeast are warmer and more suitable for agriculture and urban development.

Most Extreme Points of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s most extreme geographic points highlight the diversity of its landscapes, from urban areas in the southeast to rural and mountainous regions in the north and west.

• Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of Pennsylvania is located in Matamoras, at the junction of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York along the Delaware River. Matamoras is part of Pike County and serves as a gateway to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and rafting. The area is characterized by its forests, rivers, and rolling hills.
• Westernmost Point: Pennsylvania’s westernmost point is near the town of Shenango, close to the border with Ohio. This area is part of Lawrence County and is known for its rural landscapes and proximity to the Ohio River Valley. The region has a mix of small towns, forests, and agricultural lands, with historical connections to the steel and coal industries that dominated western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio.
• Southernmost Point: The southernmost point of Pennsylvania is located near the town of Delta, in York County, along the Mason-Dixon Line. This line was historically significant as a symbolic division between the northern and southern states. The area around Delta is primarily rural, with rolling hills, farms, and forests. It is close to Baltimore, Maryland, and shares cultural and economic ties with that region.
• Northernmost Point: The northernmost point of Pennsylvania is near Shunk, in Bradford County, close to the border with New York. This area is part of the Endless Mountains region, characterized by its rugged terrain, forests, and rivers. The northern border with New York is a rural area with a long history of agriculture, hunting, and outdoor recreation.

These extreme points of Pennsylvania reflect the state’s diverse geography, from its mountainous regions in the north and west to its flat, urbanized areas in the southeast. Each of these points contributes to Pennsylvania’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Major Mountains in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to several mountain ranges that are part of the larger Appalachian Mountain System, which stretches along the eastern United States. These ranges shape the state’s geography and offer numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.

• Allegheny Mountains: The Allegheny Mountains are a prominent range in western and central Pennsylvania, forming part of the larger Appalachian Mountains. The highest point in the Alleghenies is Mount Davis, which rises to 3,213 feet and is the highest peak in the state. This range is known for its rolling ridges, deep valleys, and dense forests. The Alleghenies are popular for hiking, camping, and skiing, with several state parks and forests located within the region. The Laurel Highlands region, which includes parts of the Alleghenies, is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and trails like the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
• Pocono Mountains: The Pocono Mountains, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, are a popular destination for tourists, offering a variety of recreational activities throughout the year. The Poconos are characterized by forested hills, lakes, and waterfalls. During the winter, the region is known for its ski resorts, while in the summer, visitors enjoy hiking, boating, and fishing. The Poconos are also a popular spot for weekend getaways, with many resorts, cabins, and vacation homes available in the area.
• Blue Mountain: Blue Mountain is a prominent ridge in the eastern part of Pennsylvania and forms part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. It is a well-known feature in the Lehigh Valley and provides a natural boundary between the flatlands of southeastern Pennsylvania and the more rugged terrain of the interior. Blue Mountain is popular among hikers and nature enthusiasts, particularly along the Appalachian Trail, which runs along the ridge. The mountain’s elevation provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and the region is home to several state parks and nature preserves.
• Endless Mountains: The Endless Mountains are located in northeastern Pennsylvania, near the border with New York. This region is characterized by its rolling hills, deep valleys, and rural landscapes. The Endless Mountains are a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The area is also known for its scenic beauty, with numerous rivers, waterfalls, and forests offering opportunities for nature lovers. The region is less developed than other parts of the state, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude in nature.

These mountain ranges are not only important for recreation but also play a significant role in Pennsylvania’s natural environment. They provide habitats for a wide variety of wildlife and contribute to the state’s biodiversity. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s mountains have a rich history, particularly in relation to coal mining and forestry.

Major Rivers and Lakes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s rivers and lakes are vital to the state’s economy, environment, and recreational opportunities. Several major rivers flow through Pennsylvania, while its lakes provide water for agriculture, industry, and outdoor activities.

• Delaware River: The Delaware River forms much of Pennsylvania’s eastern boundary with New Jersey and provides critical water resources for the state. The river flows southward, passing through cities like Easton, Philadelphia, and Chester before emptying into the Delaware Bay. The Delaware River supports shipping, industry, and recreation, and it is a major waterway for the entire Mid-Atlantic region. The Delaware Water Gap is a scenic area where the river cuts through the Kittatinny Ridge, offering hiking, camping, and boating opportunities.
• Susquehanna River: The Susquehanna River is one of the longest rivers on the East Coast, running through the heart of Pennsylvania. It flows from New York through central Pennsylvania, passing cities like Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre, before reaching the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The Susquehanna is an important water source for agriculture and industry and plays a key role in the state’s history, particularly in the development of transportation and commerce. The river’s watershed supports a wide range of wildlife, and its banks offer numerous parks and recreation areas.
• Allegheny River: The Allegheny River flows through the western part of Pennsylvania, beginning in the Allegheny Mountains of New York and joining the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh to form the Ohio River. The river is crucial for navigation, industry, and commerce in western Pennsylvania. It supports recreation, with many opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping along its course. The river passes through the city of Pittsburgh, where it plays a significant role in the region’s steel and industrial history.
• Lake Erie: Pennsylvania’s only Great Lake, Lake Erie, lies along the state’s northwestern border. The city of Erie is located on the lake’s southern shore and is Pennsylvania’s primary access point to the Great Lakes system. Lake Erie is an important waterway for shipping and trade and provides numerous recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Presque Isle State Park, located on a peninsula extending into the lake, is one of Pennsylvania’s most popular destinations, known for its beaches, wildlife, and scenic views.
• Raystown Lake: Raystown Lake, located in central Pennsylvania, is the largest artificial lake entirely within the state. It was created by the construction of the Raystown Dam on the Raystown Branch Juniata River. The lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. The surrounding area is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and features numerous parks and picnic areas. Raystown Lake is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular spot for family vacations and weekend getaways.

Pennsylvania’s rivers and lakes are integral to its economy and lifestyle, supporting everything from agriculture and industry to recreation and tourism. These waterways also contribute to the state’s natural beauty, offering a wide range of outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike.