[5] The Vepsian hilly area is a northward extension of the Central Russian Upland, in the same manner as the Valdai Hills to the southeast.

Together with the Tikhvin Ridge, part of the Valdai Hills, the Vepsian Upland separates the basins of the Baltic and the Caspian Seas.

With a height of 304 metres (997 ft) above sea level, it is also the highest point of Vologda Oblast.

Gapselga, the highest point of Leningrad Oblast, reaching 291 metres (955 ft) above sea level, is also located in the Vepsian Upland.

[3][7] The main rivers of the hill area are the Shoksha, Oyat, Kapsha, Pasha, Tutoka and Yavosma.