How Wide Is Georgia? Total Distance from East to West

Georgia is a beautiful state with abundant wildlife and sprawling landscapes that can excite any nature lover. But how far does this vast beauty stretch? This article will investigate the geography of Georgia and determine just how wide it is. So, how wide is Georgia? Let’s find out.

Geography

Georgia, located in the southeastern region of the United States, is a state known for its diverse geography. It shares borders with South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Covering approximately 59,425 square miles, Georgia’s landscape encompasses a variety of terrains, including coastal plains, rolling hills, plateaus, and mountains.

Regions

The Coastal Plain occupies the southernmost part of the state and features low-lying, flat terrain along the Atlantic coast. This area has many marshes and swamps, and it is agriculturally fertile. Notable barrier islands, such as Jekyll Island and Tybee Island, offer sandy beaches and unique ecosystems, making them popular tourist destinations.

Moving inland, the Piedmont region covers the central portion of Georgia and consists of gently rolling hills. This area is significant for both agriculture and industry, and it is home to the state’s capital and largest city, Atlanta. The Piedmont’s red clay has historically influenced agricultural practices and brick-making industries.

In the northeastern part of the state lies the Blue Ridge Mountains, a section of the Appalachian Mountain range. This picturesque region boasts lush forests and scenic landscapes, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The highest point in Georgia, Brasstown Bald, is in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Adjacent to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Ridge and Valley region consists of parallel ridges and fertile valleys. This area supports a mix of agriculture and forestry and has tremendous natural beauty.

Finally, in the northwestern corner of the state, the Appalachian Plateau features flat-topped mountains and deep canyons. The region is abundant in mineral resources, contributing to Georgia’s economic development.

Geographic Center

The geographic center of Georgia, according to the Georgia Historical Society, is in Twiggs County. A marker was erected at the coordinates 32º38’46”N., 83º25’54”W. in 1981 that acknowledges the geographic center of the state. This mark falls within the Piedmont region. Interestingly, this point was determined and defined “as the balance point of a plane or thin sheet of a uniform thickness in the shape of the area”.

Geological Features

Some major geological features in Georgia include rivers, mountains, and lakes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a tremendous feature of the state. In addition, other noteworthy landmarks are the Chattahoochee River, Savannah River, St. Mary’s River, and Suwannee River. Prominent lakes in the state include Clark’s Hill Lake, West Point Lake, and Lake Hartwell. The highest point in the state is Brasstown Bald, also called Mount Etonah, at 4,784 feet, and the lowest point is 0 feet at the Atlantic Ocean.

How Wide is Georgia?

Georgia is 230 miles wide! That is, at its widest point, it is 230 miles from Georgia’s west border to its east border. The maximum distance in between the state’s north and south borders is 298 miles.

For comparison, Texas holds the title for having the greatest width among all the states in the United States. In fact, from its easternmost point near the border with Louisiana to its westernmost point on the border with New Mexico, Texas spans approximately 773 miles (1,244 kilometers) from east to west! That is about 3.4 times the width of Georgia! Of the continental United States, Maryland has the narrowest width of about 124 miles at its narrowest point. Hawaii, because it is an archipelago, officially is the narrowest state, however.

Where to Visit

Georgia offers a plethora of picturesque places in nature to explore. One such gem is the Blue Ridge Mountains, where scenic beauty and hiking trails abound. For a coastal escape, the Golden Isles boast stunning beaches and unique ecosystems. The Chattahoochee National Forest enchants with lush forests and serene waterfalls, while the Okefenokee Swamp intrigues with its mysterious allure. Additionally, the iconic Savannah Historic District’s charming streetscapes and Forsyth Park’s beauty add a touch of elegance to Georgia’s natural attractions. Whether it’s mountains, coastlines, forests, or historic cities, Georgia promises a feast for the eyes and soul.

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