Georgia’s Regions and Rivers

United States/Georgia

Georgia Regions The state of Georgia extends from the Atlantic Ocean into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The state is divided into five regions based on its physical geography. The regions are the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont Region, the Blue Ridge Region, the Valley and Ridge Region, and the Appalachian Plateau.

We will learn about the geographical regions and the major rivers of Georgia.

Appalachian Plateau Region The Appalachian Plateau is in the far northwest corner of Georgia. It sits 1,800 to 2,000 feet above sea level. It is the smallest region of Georgia. It has narrow valleys and wooded ridges. In this area, you can go hang gliding, hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting. Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, and Sand Mountain are in this region. There are no major rivers in this region.

Blue Ridge Mountains Region  The Blue Ridge region is found in northeastern Georgia north of the Piedmont. The highest mountain peak in Georgia is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is called Brasstown Bald. The Cherokee Indians lived in these mountains. Marble and gold are two natural resources found in this region. The rushing rivers in these mountains provide hydro-electric power to the state. There are no major rivers in this region. TALLULAH GORGE ANDFALLS

Valley and Ridge Region The Ridge and Valley region occupies only a small part of the state. Very few people live in this area. It is heavily forested. It also has steep river valleys. The area has lots of waterfalls. In fact Georgia's highest waterfall is located in this region. There are no major rivers in this region. AMICALOLA FALLS is the state's highest waterfall, with a total drop of 729 feet.

Piedmont Region The Piedmont region is a hilly part of Georgia. Piedmont means "foot of the mountains". This region lies between the far northern mountains and the flat southern plains. This region is known for its red clay hills. It is also the region with the most people. We live in this region. The Chattahoochee River has always been a working river. The Cherokees and Creeks used this river for drinking water, food, and transportation. Now, the river is used more as a source of drinking water and recreation. The Flint River, named for the stones found along its shores, is the home for many types of wildlife, including the shoal bass. The river gives farmers water for their crops. The Flint River feeds into the Chattahoochee River. The Creek Indians lived in the river bottoms and valleys of these rivers.

Piedmont continued Two of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia are found in the Piedmont region. The springs of Warm Springs are mineral springs which stay at 90 degrees Fahrenheit all the time. It was the vacation retreat of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Stone Mountain is the largest exposed mass of granite in the world. It was used by Woodlands Indians as a ceremonial place. It is about two miles long and one mile wide.

Coastal Plain Region The Coastal Plains region of Georgia is known for its flatlands, marshes and swamps. One of the best-known wetlands in the United States - the Okefenokee Swamp - is located in this region of Georgia. This area covers the southern and southeastern half of Georgia. It is the largest region of Georgia.

Coastal Region cont The main rivers of Georgia meet in the Coastal Plains region as they make their way to the Atlantic Ocean. In this region, you can find the Oconee, Ocmulgee, Flint, Savannah, St. Mary's and Altamaha Rivers The Oconee River and the Ocmulgee River come together to form the Altamaha River in south Georgia. It is the largest river of the Georgia coast. The Savannah River is a large river that has its source in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It forms most of the border between South Carolina and Georgia. The river is about 350 miles long. Its mouth is at the city of Savannah. The Flint River, named for the stones found along its shores, is the home for many types of wildlife, including the shoal bass. The river gives farmers water for their crops. The Flint River feeds into the Chattahoochee River. The Creek Indians lived in the river bottoms and valleys of these rivers. The St. Mary's River forms the boundary between Georgia and Florida. It is a black water river that drains part of the Okefenokee Swamp. It begins in the Okefenokee swamp and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Cumberland Island.

Coastal Plains Cont Natural Wonders of Georgia Providence Canyon is called Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon." It was formed from erosion 150 years ago. All of the canyons were formed by an ancient ocean. There are 16 canyons altogether. The Okefenokee Swamp is a swamp on the Georgia and Florida border. The Okefenokee Swamp gets its name from Native American words that mean "Land of the Trembling Earth". There are hundreds of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, many of which are endangered or threatened. The St. Mary's River and the Suwannee River begin in the Okefenokee Swamp. Many of the plants found in the Okefenokee were used by the Georgia Native Americans for food and medicine.

Class Activity Class will work in groups to mold/create an edible map of Georgia displaying its regions and major rivers. Peanut Butter Dough = Entire State Chocolate Chips = Mountains M & M ‘s = People Green Coconut = Grassy Wetlands Blue Icing = Major Rivers Flag Toothpicks = River Names 5 Regions: Appalachian Plateau, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, Piedmont, Coastal Plain Major Rivers : Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Savannah, St. Mary’s, Flint, Chattahoochee