Physical Map of West Virginia - Geographical Features of West Virginia

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of West Virginia showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other West Virginia physical features.

West Virginia Physical Map

Physical Features of West Virginia

West Virginia is characterized by rugged mountains, forested hills, and deep river valleys within the Appalachian region. Much of the state lies on the Allegheny Plateau, where rolling highlands are dissected by rivers and streams. The eastern portion includes parts of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley system, with long ridges and narrow valleys. Major rivers such as the Ohio, Kanawha, and Monongahela shape the landscape, creating steep valleys and scenic terrain throughout the state.

Major Landforms in West Virginia

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Allegheny PlateauPlateauStatewideDissected highland region
Appalachian MountainsMountain rangeEastRugged mountainous terrain
Ridge and ValleyMountain systemEastParallel ridges and valleys
Ohio River ValleyValleyWestMajor river corridor
Kanawha ValleyValleyCentralRiver carved valley
Monongahela ValleyValleyNorthIndustrial river valley
Greenbrier ValleyValleySouthFertile valley region
Canaan ValleyValleyNortheastHigh elevation valley
Potomac HighlandsHighlandEastElevated mountainous region
New River GorgeGorgeSouthDeep river canyon

Major Mountain Ranges in West Virginia

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Allegheny MountainsEastSpruce Knob4,863 ft
Appalachian MountainsEastSpruce Knob4,863 ft
Blue Ridge MountainsEastReddish Knob4,397 ft
Cumberland MountainsSouthBlack Mountain area4,145 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in West Virginia

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Ohio RiverRiverWestForms western boundary
Kanawha RiverRiverCentralMajor river in state
Monongahela RiverRiverNorthFlows into Ohio River
New RiverRiverSouthFlows through gorge
Potomac RiverRiverEastForms eastern boundary
Summersville LakeLakeSouthLargest lake in state
Stonewall Jackson LakeLakeCentralFlood control reservoir
Tygart LakeLakeNorthRecreation lake
Burnsville LakeLakeCentralReservoir lake
Bluestone LakeLakeSouthHydroelectric reservoir

Elevation and Terrain in West Virginia

West Virginia has significant elevation changes, with mountainous terrain dominating much of the state. Spruce Knob is the highest point, while the lowest elevation lies along the Potomac River. The terrain consists of mountains, plateaus, valleys, and river gorges.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointSpruce Knob – 4,863 ft
Lowest PointPotomac River – 240 ft
Average Elevation1,500 ft
Terrain TypeMountains and valleys

West Virginia Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateWest Virginia
Total Area24,230 sq mi
Land Area24,038 sq mi
Water Area192 sq mi
Highest PointSpruce Knob
Lowest PointPotomac River
Longest RiverKanawha River
Largest LakeSummersville Lake
Major LandformsAllegheny Plateau, Appalachians
Main Water BodiesOhio River, Kanawha River
Terrain TypeRugged mountainous terrain
CoastlineNo coastline