2. Land is flat Summers cooler and winters snowier “snow belt” Lakes Erie & Ontario ports have direct access to Atlantic Ocean via St. Lawrence River

3. North of the Mohawk River Forested, rounded mountains with many lakes and streams

4. Runs East to West Only low land (valley) route from Atlantic Ocean through mountains Important trade route through the state

5. 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

6. New York City area, the state’s largest urban areas, located here Creates a large sheltered harbor

7. East of NYC South of the Mohawk River Rocky and rugged landscape

8. Occupies 1/3 of the total area of New York State Very hilly, less rugged than the Adirondack or Catskill Mountains