Pennsylvania is a state rich in history and extraordinary natural beauty. Rolling hills, plateaus, ridges, valleys, rivers, lakes, and streams dot the countryside. Visitors will find an eclectic mix of architecture ranging from classic stone farmhouses and covered bridges to glass skyscrapers that form panoramic cityscapes.

Pennsylvania is bordered by New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio. It has seven distinct geographical regions: the Erie Lowland, the Appalachian or Allegheny Plateau, the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region, the Blue Ridge, the New England Upland, the Piedmont, and the Atlantic Coastal Plain.

The Erie Lowland occupies a narrow, sandy strip of land on the shores of Lake Erie. This region has many lakes and was formerly part of the lake bed. It now provides fertile land for farming fruit and vegetables.

The Appalachian or Allegheny Plateau features Pennsylvania's highest point--Mt. Davis--at a height of 3,123 feet. The area is wooded, with deep valleys and gorges. Allegheny National Forest in the north, Ohiopyle State Park in the south, and the Pocono Mountains to the east all form part of the plateau--the largest geographical region in the state.

The Blue Ridge encompasses the northern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which continue as far south as Georgia. The Piedmont, extending from New Jersey to Alabama, passes through southeast Pennsylvania and features rolling plains, fertile valleys, and low hills with irregular ridges. At the eastern edge of the state is a section of land that forms part of the New England Upland. This portion of land stretches as far north as Maine. The Atlantic Coastal Plain borders part of the Delaware River, and in places it drops to sea level.

Six of the country's largest retail and industrial markets representing 40 percent of the U.S. population and 60 percent of the Canadian population are located within a 500-mile radius of Pennsylvania. More than 115,000 miles of streets and highways make for convenient travel. With its keystone location, and social, cultural, and outdoor attractions, it's easy to understand why Pennsylvania is such a draw for tourists.