|The highest areas of Connecticut are in the northwest upland; the Berkshires. Connecticut gradually
loses elevation to the south where it finally meets Long
Island Sound. The east is a hilly upland drained by rivers including the Connecticut and Thames Rivers.
The small state of Connecticut can be divided into five distinct land regions; the Taconic Section, the
Western New England Upland, the Connecticut Valley Lowland, the Eastern New England Upland and the Coastal
Taconic Section: The Taconic Section of Connecticut is found in the northwestern corner of the
state. This section between the
Housatonic River and the
New York border extends north into Massachusetts.
Mt. Frissell, the highest point in Connecticut is found in the Taconic Section.
Western New England Upland: Most of western Connecticut is Western New England Upland. Characterized
by steep hills, ridges and rivers, this area also runs into parts of Massachusetts
and Vermont. The
Western New England Upland in Connecticut slopes gradually downward from northwest to southeast. Its
elevation above sea level falls from about 1,400 to 1,000 feet.
Connecticut Valley Lowland: Running through the center of Connecticut and north into
the Connecticut Valley Lowland averages about 30 miles wide. Small rivers with basalt ridges characterize
Eastern New England Upland: Most of western Connecticut is characterized by the narrow river
valleys and the low hills of the Eastern New England Upland. The land slopes downward from northwest
to northeast. The Connecticut section of the Eastern New England Upland, that stretches from Connecticut
to Maine, is heavily forested.
Coastal Lowlands: Part of the Coastal Lowlands that cover the entire New England Coast, the
Connecticut Coastal Lowlands form a narrow strip of land, 6 to 16 miles wide, that runs along the
southern shore of the state at Long Island Sound. Lower than most of Connecticut, the Coastal Lowlands
are characterized by lower ridges and beaches and harbors along the coast.
( Connecticut Close-up )