Physical Map of Arkansas

 

Geographical features of Arkansas

The Ozark Plateau spans the northwestern portion of the state. This hilly region is heavily forested by an oak-hickory ecosystem and carved by numerous rivers and streams. Turner Ward Knob is the highest peak in the Boston Mountains which extend south of the Ozark Plateau. The Arkansas River Valley stretches between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. The valley is dotted with wine country, historical sites, and travel attractions. Ouachita Mountains in west central Arkansas are home to the highest point in Arkansas state, Mount Magazine with an elevation of 2,753 feet (839 meters).

On the southern edges of the Ozarks and Ouachitas, the forests and prairies yield the flatter landscape of the Mississippi Delta Region that covers the eastern and far-southern areas of the state. Southeast Arkansas is contiguous with the Mississippi Delta which is generally flat, fertile, and swampy. The Piney Woods of Arkansas Delta features dense pine and cypress forests. The 150-mile-long Crowley’s Ridge in Northeast Arkansas rises around 200 feet (61 m) above the surrounding delta lowlands. Arkansas Timberlands encompass the area south of the Ouachita Mountains west of the Arkansas Delta.

Hot Springs National Park, Buffalo National River, and Parkin Archeological State Park are popular natural attractions. The Mississippi River rolls by the eastern boundary of the state, being fed by its tributaries flowing from the west. Significant rivers in Arkansas include the Arkansas River, Red River, White River, and St. Francis River. Lake Ouachita, Bull Shoals Lake, DeGray Lake, and Lake Dardanelle are major lakes in Arkansas.