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Geographic Regions EXIT

Geographic Regions Map South Carolina is divided up into 6 geographic regions: The Blue Ridge Mountains, The Piedmont, The Sandhills, The Inner and Outer Coastal Plains, and The Coastal Zone. These regions are characterized by certain geographical characteristics, such as landscape and plant and animal life. Gallery

Blue Ridge Mountains Gallery The Blue Ridge Mountains are a part of the Appalachian Mountain chain. These mountains contain South Carolina’s highest peak, Sassafras Mountain. It stands 3,560 feet tall. This region only takes up 2% of the state’s land, but contains many recreation activities, such as rafting down rivers and hiking mountains. Gallery

Piedmont The Piedmont region is the region below the Blue Ridge Mountains. This region is hilly and contains thin, stony clay soils. The land is not very suitable for farming. The Northwestern part of the Piedmont is called the foothills. Table Rock State Park is located here, and this picture was taken of a waterfall in the park that is located in the Piedmont. Clemson University is located in this region. Gallery

Sandhills This region was named the Sandhills because it is the remains of old coastal dunes that were once there when the ocean was higher. The land in this region is slow, rolling hills containing mostly sand. The capital of Columbia is located in this region. The University of South Carolina is located in the Sandhills. Gallery

Inner and Outer Coastal Plains The Inner Coastal Plain is located below the Sandhills and the Outer Coastal Plain is located below the Inner Coastal Plain. These regions are composed mostly of flat land excellent for farming, and some marshy, swampy land. Sand, silt, and clay is the type of sediment present in this region. Gallery

Coastal Zone The Coastal Zone is the region containing beaches, salt marshes, and estuaries. Several natural ports are located here, such as Charleston and Georgetown. Myrtle Beach is a famous beach in this part of South Carolina. This landscape is also nearly flat. Gallery

How can we remember the regions?