West Virginia's Natural Borders: Rivers and Mountains Defining the State

Natural Boundary Features

• North: Pennsylvania border follows the Mason-Dixon line (surveyed), but the Ohio River forms much of the western/northwestern boundary with Ohio.
• East: The Potomac River and its North Branch form the border with Maryland; the Appalachian Mountains (Allegheny Front) separate it from Virginia.
• South: The Appalachian ridges and the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River border Virginia and Kentucky.
• West: The Ohio River (with Ohio) and the Big Sandy River/Tug Fork (with Kentucky).

Key Rivers

• Ohio River (west/northwest)
• Potomac River (east/northeast)
• Big Sandy River / Tug Fork (southwest)
• Greenbrier, New, Gauley, Kanawha rivers (internal, but part of watershed boundaries)

Mountain Barriers

The Appalachian Mountains (especially the Allegheny and Blue Ridge provinces) create a rugged, natural divide with Virginia and Maryland.