By Simon Fuller | Updated March 24, 2022
Delaware—America’s second smallest state—spans roughly 2,489 square miles. Its average elevation is just 58 ft above sea level, and most of the state sits on the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Despite its modest size, Delaware boasts a variety of landscapes, from rolling hills to extensive wetlands and a network of waterways.
The northernmost portion of Delaware lies within the Piedmont region, a belt that stretches across several states. Here, the highest point in the state rises to 447 ft above sea level—a figure cited by WorldAtlas. The bedrock consists of ancient volcanic and metamorphic rocks, including amphibolites and the famed “blue rocks” of the Wilmington Complex, some of which date back over a billion years, per the U.S. Geological Survey.
In southern Delaware, nearly 30,000 acres of swamps support diverse ecosystems. Floodplain hardwood swamps—home to willow oak and red maple—cluster around major river tributaries. The state also features unique bald cypress swamps, while its coastal plains host more than 1,000 seasonal ponds that fill with groundwater each spring and winter, offering refuge for amphibians and countless plant species.
Delaware’s waterways cover about 535 square miles, encompassing rivers, canals, and bays. The Delaware River is the main artery, complemented by smaller streams such as the St. Jones and Muderkill. In the north, the 14‑mile Chesapeake and Delaware Canal connects Delaware Bay with Chesapeake Bay, serving as a vital shipping route. Along the Atlantic coast, a 28‑mile sandbar borders communities that thrive on water‑sports, fishing, and tourism.
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