Land is flat Summers cooler and winters snowier “snow belt” Lakes Erie & Ontario ports have direct access to Atlantic Ocean via St. Lawrence River
North of the Mohawk River Forested, rounded mountains with many lakes and streams
Runs East to West Only low land (valley) route from Atlantic Ocean through mountains Important trade route through the state
Albany (state capital) is on the river bank Runs North and South Water route connecting NYC to Mohawk River and Lake Champlain Important trade route and military value
New York City area, the state’s largest urban areas, located here Creates a large sheltered harbor
East of NYC South of the Mohawk River Rocky and rugged landscape
Occupies 1/3 of the total area of New York State Very hilly, less rugged than the Adirondack or Catskill Mountains