US States Map > New Jersey Map > Geography of New Jersey

Geography of New Jersey

by Vishul Malik

New Jersey lies on the eastern edge of the North American continent. The total area of the state is 8,722 square miles.


Geographical Facts About New Jersey

Area 8,722 square miles
Land Area 7,419 square miles
Water Area 1,303 square miles
Highest point High Point at an elevation of 1,803 feet above sea-level
Lowest point Atlantic Ocean
Highest temperature 110 degrees Fahrenheit
Lowest temperature -34 degrees Fahrenheit
Geographic Center Located in Mercer County, 5miles SE Trenton

General Features

New Jersey is a state located in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States of America. It is bordered by New York to the north and east, Atlantic Ocean to the southeast and south, Pennsylvania to the west, and Delaware to the southwest. It is the fourth-smallest state in the country.

Geographically, the state can be divided into four major regions:

  • Atlantic Coastal Plain: The Atlantic Coastal Plain covers 60% of the state and is characterized by rolling hills, pine forests and salt marshes. Lagoons and meadows are located near the Atlantic coast.
  • Piedmont: Piedmont lies northeast of the Atlantic Coastal Plain and covers approximately 20% of the state. Major rivers of New Jersey, including Remapo River and Hudson River, are found in this area. Piedmont region is home to the industrial cities of Elizabeth, Patterson, and Newark.
  • New England Upland: New England Upland is located west of the Piedmont. It is often called the Highlands and is characterized by flat-topped ridges of rocks and scenic lakes nestled among the ridges.
  • Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region: Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region is located in the northwest corner of the state. The Appalachian Valley lies southeast of the Kittatinny Mountains. The area has shale and limestone formation along with dairy cattle and apple orchards.

Climate of New Jersey

The climate in New Jersey varies according to location. The south, central, and northeast parts of the state have a humid climate, while the northwest has a humid continental climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold. Average annual rainfall ranges from 43 to 51 inches while average annual snowfall varies from 10 to 15 inches. Hurricanes and tropical storms, tornadoes, and earthquakes are rare.

Rivers

Hudson River flows from north to south through eastern New York. It enters New Jersey before emptying into Upper New York Bay.

Other notable rivers in the state are:

  • Passaic River
  • Remapo River
  • Raritan River
  • Delaware River

Lakes

Lake Hopatcong is the largest freshwater lake in the state of New Jersey. Located in the mountains of northern New Jersey, it has an area of approximately four square miles.

Other important lakes in the state are:

  • Lake Arrowhead
  • Lake Shawnee
  • Deal Lake
  • Rock Ridge

Mountains

High Point is the highest peak in New Jersey. It is located in the northwestern part of New Jersey.

Other notable mountains in the state are:

  • Mount Mitchill
  • Schooley’s Mountain
  • Rocky Hill Ridge
  • Mount Tammany

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