Quick Fact — As of 2026, Georgia covers 59,425 square miles. The Coastal Plain swallows up 60% of that—about 35,655 square miles—and packs in 45% of the state’s 11.2 million residents. Brasstown Bald, the highest point at 4,784 feet, sits at 34.8789° N, 83.4336° W.
Geographic Context
That sweep—from rugged peaks to coastal marshes—has shaped everything from farming to factories to family road trips. The state’s Fall Line, where the Piedmont bumps into the Coastal Plain, has been a magnet for water-powered mills for centuries and modern-day cities today. According to the Georgia Encyclopedia, this transition zone still drives most of Georgia’s shipping lanes and shopping centers.
Key Details
| Region | Size (sq mi) | Highest Elevation | Major Cities | Climate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Plain | 35,655 | Sea level (coast) | Savannah, Columbus, Albany | Humid subtropical, mild winters |
| Piedmont | 18,000 | 1,686 ft (Stone Mountain) | Atlanta, Augusta, Athens | Four distinct seasons, hot summers |
| Blue Ridge | 2,284 | 4,784 ft (Brasstown Bald) | Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Clayton | Cooler temps, higher rainfall |
| Valley and Ridge | 2,614 | 3,288 ft (Lookout Mountain) | Rome, Dalton | Moderate, seasonal extremes |
| Appalachian Plateau | 320 | 3,288 ft (High Point) | La Fayette, Trenton | Cool summers, cold winters (Appalachian influence) |
Interesting Background
Those ancient rocks are some of the oldest on Earth and come loaded with quartz and mica. Down in the Piedmont, the signature red clay—Georgia’s “red hills”—comes from iron oxide weathering back in the Cretaceous. Over in the Coastal Plain, limestone quarries near Albany hide fossils of prehistoric sea creatures. The National Park Service points out that Georgia’s geology also earns it the “Peach State” nickname, thanks to the well-drained soils in the Ridge and Valley region that peach trees love.
Practical Information
Meanwhile, Savannah River ports in the Coastal Plain handle 40% of the state’s cargo, tying Georgia into global trade. Hikers can tackle more than 150 miles of the Appalachian Trail in the Blue Ridge, while the Okefenokee Swamp in the Coastal Plain offers kayaking and wildlife tours. Don’t miss the Fall Line’s dramatic waterfalls—Amicalola Falls (729 ft) and Tallulah Gorge (1,200 ft deep) are must-sees. Check Georgia Tourism for the latest travel tips and park updates.
