The Coastal Plain Region of Georgia

South of the Piedmont lies the Coastal Plain, a vast area of flat land adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. This region is separated from the Piedmont by the Fall Line and is characterized by unique features that mark it as a distinct region.

The Coastal Plain is Georgia's southernmost and largest region. It can be divided into Upper and Lower or Inner and Outer areas. The Inner Coastal Plain supports much of Georgia's agricultural production, including blueberries, pecans, and even olives. The Outer Coastal Plain is largely dominated by longleaf pine forests but also hosts an important coastal economy featuring seafood production, shipping, and tourism.

The Coastal Plain is home to some of Georgia's oldest cities like Savannah and Brunswick and some of its largest cities like Columbus and Albany.

Georgia's Coastal Plain is rich in phosphate deposits, as well as limestone, kaolin, fuller's earth, and some bauxite.

Phosphates can be found in many different types of rocks. These rocks are mined for their phosphorous content, which is extracted for use in agricultural products like fertilizer and animal feed.​

Kaolin clay is distinguishable by its striking white color. It is the most abundant natural resource in Georgia and is widely used in ceramics, paints, and to coat paper. Although it is not mined from there, kaolin can also be seen in the colorful walls of Providence Canyon.​

Fuller’s earth is a naturally occurring clay that is effective at absorbing oil and dirt. Historically, fuller’s earth was used to clean woolen cloth. Today, it is sometimes marketed as a beauty agent in skincare.

Founded in 1733, Savannah was Georgia’s first city and its original state capital. Early English settlers chose the site for its strategic proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Savannah River.

The deepwater ports of Savannah and Brunswick together form one of the largest shipping centers in the country and make shipping an important economic activity for Georgia. Other prominent state industries include fishing, tourism, and forestry.

The soil typical of the Inner Coastal Plain is perfect for growing agricultural products like peanuts, cotton, peaches, and Georgia’s famous Vidalia onions.

Did you know that Georgia's Coastal Plain is home to the "Little Grand Canyon" as well as native species like the gopher tortoise and exotic animal residents like the ring-tailed lemur?

Providence Canyon, one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders, is found in the Coastal Plain region. It was formed by rainwater runoff caused by poor farming practices from the 1800s. The canyon continues to erode today.

The Coastal Plain is home to a variety of reptiles, including snakes, alligators, and turtles.

The gopher tortoise is Georgia’s official state reptile. A keystone species of the longleaf pine ecosystem, gopher tortoises dig expansive burrows in the sandy, well-draining soil for shelter and nesting. The gopher tortoise is the only land tortoise that is native to the southeastern United States. ​

Georgia's Coastal Plain is shaped by several major rivers, two of which delineate the state's eastern and western boundaries.

Ring-tailed lemurs, native only to Madagascar, can also be found on Georgia's St. Catherines Island. The lemurs were first brought to this barrier island in 1984, in an effort to breed the endangered species. The St. Catherines Island Lemur Program supports the only free-ranging population of ring-tailed lemurs outside of Madagascar.​