The 42nd parallel line of latitude forms several U.S. state borders.

In the West, it separates California and Nevada and part of Utah, from Oregon and Idaho. In the East it forms most of the New York - Pennsylvania Border, although due to imperfect surveying in 1785-6 this boundary wanders around on both sides of the true parallel.

Other U.S. states crossed

• Wyoming
• Nebraska
• Iowa
• Illinois (northern)
• Michigan (far south)
• Ohio (extreme northeast)
• Connecticut (far north)
• Rhode Island (far northwest)
• Massachusetts (southeastern)

U.S. cities lying on or near the 42nd Parallel

• Chicago, Illinois
• Toledo, Ohio
• Erie, Pennsylvania
• Binghamton, New York

Note: The 42nd Parallel passes through the southern end of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. Part of the water boundary between the United States and Canada passes south of the 42nd parallel, and the southern tip of the Canadian province Ontario just barely touches it.

Lines of latitude