Download Georgia`s Regions and Rivers

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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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