Though best known for the iconic New York City, New York State offers an abundance of natural beauty and stunning mountain ranges.
Two of the state’s most cherished regions are the Catskills and Adirondacks — two different mountain ranges widely beloved by outdoor enthusiasts. These mountainous regions offer a wide array of outdoor activities, rich cultural heritage, and countless opportunities for exploration.
If you’re planning a trip to the Empire State’s mountains, this guide is for you. We cover the differences between the Catskills and the Adirondacks to help you decide which destination sounds most appealing for your trip, including an overview of each region’s activities and camping spots.
Keep reading to discover the magic of New York State’s mountains!
What is the Difference Between the Adirondacks and the Catskills
Located roughly 200 miles from each other (depending on the route), the Adirondacks and Catskills are New York’s most well-known and well-loved mountain ranges.
While both mountain regions have their perks, there are several distinctions between them. One of the most notable differences between the Adirondacks and the Catskills is the shape of the mountains.
The Catskills feature softer and more dome-shaped peaks, while the Adirondacks are more jagged and rocky. Both mountain ranges are great for outdoors enthusiasts; however, the Catskills offers more laid-back experiences (like gentle hikes and flyfishing) and the Adirondacks offer more strenuous adventures (like rock climbing and advanced hiking trails).
Keeping this in mind, let’s dive into the specific differences between the Catskills and the Adirondacks
Catskills vs Adirondacks: Location
As mentioned, roughly 150 to 200 miles lie between the Catskills and Adirondack mountain ranges. This equates to around a three to three-and-a-half-hour drive to travel between the two.
Let’s take a closer look at where each mountain range is located in New York:
Where are the Catskill Mountains Located?
The Catskill Mountains are located in southeastern New York State, approximately 100 miles north of New York City. They cover an area of about 4,000 square miles, making them significantly smaller than the Adirondacks.
Where are the Adirondack Mountains Located?
The Adirondack Mountains are situated in northeastern New York, spanning an impressive six million acres. This vast expanse includes the famous Adirondack Park, the largest state-level protected area in the contiguous United States.
Catskills vs. Adirondacks: Outdoor Activities
One of the primary reasons people visit both the Catskills and the Adirondacks is the opportunity for a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, climbing, or water sports, both regions have a plethora of opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures.
Here’s an overview of the outdoor activities in the Catskills and Adirondacks:
- Hiking and Camping: The Catskills offer excellent hiking and camping opportunities. The area is known for its network of well-maintained trails and has something for every level of hiker. From the family-friendly jaunts to challenging peaks like Slide Mountain, the Catskills offer tremendous trail diversity. Campgrounds are plentiful, ranging from basic sites to those with modern amenities. In the Adirondacks, the hiking experience is unparalleled. The High Peaks region is particularly famous, with 46 peaks exceeding 4,000 feet in elevation. These challenging hikes offer breathtaking views of the region’s pristine wilderness. The Adirondacks also provide a wealth of camping options, with remote backcountry sites and developed campgrounds.
- Rock Climbing: Both the Catskills and the Adirondacks offer rock climbing experiences that cater to different tastes. The Catskills are known for their accessible crags, diverse climbing options, and a community that welcomes climbers of all levels. The Adirondacks are renowned for their wilderness and expansive forests, offering a more rugged and remote climbing experience. Many climbing areas are located deep within the Adirondack Park and require climbers to be more experienced.
- Water Activities: While both regions have pristine lakes and rivers, the Adirondacks are known for their abundance of lakes, making it an ideal destination for lake activities like boating and swimming. Lake George and Lake Placid are well-known destinations for those seeking water-based recreation. In the Catskills, water activities are equally enjoyable. The region features charming creeks and serene lakes, such as Kaaterskill Creek and the scenic Ashokan Reservoir. Anglers will find plenty of opportunities for flyfishing, while swimmers and paddleboarders will appreciate the Catskills’ natural beauty.
- Winter Sports: For winter sports, the Adirondacks have a slight edge. They offer numerous opportunities for downhill skiing, with popular destinations like Whiteface Mountain and Gore Mountain. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also widely enjoyed in the Adirondacks, thanks to its vast wilderness and well-marked trails. The Catskills have their share of winter fun, but the Adirondacks have more extensive facilities and well-known ski resorts.
Catskills vs Adirondacks: Cultural Heritage & Attractions
Both the Catskills and the Adirondacks have a deep-rooted cultural heritage to enrich your mind and soul.
The Catskills have a long history as a hub for art and music.
Artists at the Hudson River School of Art found inspiration in the region’s landscapes, and you can explore their legacy at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. This area also hosts numerous music festivals and events throughout the year, making it a hub for cultural enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, the Adirondacks are not to be outdone in terms of history and art.
The region’s rich history and natural beauty have inspired generations of artists and writers. The Adirondack Experience, a museum in Blue Mountain Lake, showcases the area’s cultural history. Additionally, the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts hosts many exceptional cultural events.
Catskills vs. Adirondacks: Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Catskills and the Adirondacks depends on your preferences and the activities you are most interested in. Here’s how the two regions differ according to season:
- Spring & Summer: In the spring and summer, the Catskills are ideal for hiking and water activities. The lush green landscapes and blooming wildflowers make exploring it a picturesque time. The Catskills are also known for their festivals and cultural events during these months. As for the Adirondacks, spring and summer are perfect for hiking, camping, and climbing. The warmer months bring an explosion of color to the region, with vibrant wildflowers and forests.
- Fall: Both regions are famous for their fall foliage, with vibrant displays of red, orange, and yellow leaves. The Catskills’ proximity to New York City makes it a popular destination for city dwellers seeking a taste of autumn. The Adirondacks, with their expansive forests, offer unparalleled opportunities for leaf-peeping.
- Winter: If you’re a fan of winter sports, both regions are excellent winter destinations. The Catskills provide opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking, while the Adirondacks offer extensive downhill and cross-country skiing options.
Catskills vs. Adirondacks: Where To Camp
For camping and outdoor enthusiasts, finding the best campgrounds is the key to a great mountain vacation. Both the Catskills and Adirondacks have a wide range of campgrounds to choose from, making it essential to research your options when planning your trip.
In the Catskills, Covered Bridge Campsite offers one of the best camping experiences in the region. At this campground, you can choose between tent, RV, and glamping sites depending on your specific needs and preferences. Plus, this campground resides right beside an excellent flyfishing creek, making Covered Bridge a go-to spot for anglers in the Catskills.
Meanwhile, in the Adirondacks, the Moose River Plains Complex offers extensive campsite options with easy access to all kinds of outdoor activities. Owned and operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation, Moose River Plains provides free first-come-first-serve campsites and is open year-round.
Catskills vs. Adirondacks: Where to Eat
The post-adventure meal is a staple among outdoor explorers — and the Catskills and Adirondacks have no shortage of tasty restaurants to pick from.
Here are three of the top choices for dining in the Catskills and Adirondacks:
Catskills Restaurants:
- Gracie’s Luncheonette: Gracie’s Luncheonette open for breakfast and lunch. Since Gracie’s does not open until 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends, this is a great choice for brunch after an early morning hike. The Gracie’s menu features items like breakfast sandwiches, French toast, brisket hash, mac’n’cheese, burgers, and more. Gracie’s Luncheonette is located at 969 Main Street in Leeds, N.Y.
- The Pines: The Pines is a restaurant, bar, and lounge taking walk-ins only — no reservation required. With both indoor and outdoor dining, The Pines is a great option for enjoying the sunshine while you eat. This restaurant is dog-friendly in its outdoor space, making it an ideal location for hikers with furry companions. The menu features items like pork chops, chicken enchilada bake, and steak. The Pines is located at 5327 Route 212 in Mount Tremper, NY.
- Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room: Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room offers a farm-to-table style experience featuring a variety of fine dining dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. This restaurant is a great option for dinner and begins serving for the day at 5 p.m. The menu includes a wide array of tasty dishes, including housemade gnudi, pan-seared skate, and oven-roasted chicken. Peekamoose is located at 8373 State Route 28 in Big Indian, NY.
Adirondacks Restaurants:
- Prospect Mountain Diner: Prospect Mountain Diner brings the classic diner experience to the Adirondacks. With a homestyle American diner menu, Prospect Mountain Diner is the place to be for breakfast and lunch. Get your fix of biscuits, gravy, eggs, sandwiches, and more from this restaurant’s extensive menu. Prospect Mountain Diner is open Thursday through Monday and is located at 2205 U.S. 9 in Lake George, NY.
- Red Fox Restaurant: Red Fox Restaurant is a delectable dinner restaurant specializing in steaks, seafood, and Italian-style dishes. The Red Fox menu includes many delicious appetizers and entrees, including prime rib, steak and scampi, filet mignon, broiled scallops, linguini, and eggplant parmesan — just to name a few. The Red Fox Restaurant is located at 5034 State Rout 3 in Saranac Lake, NY.
- Slickers Adirondack Tavern: Slickers Adirondack Tavern is a hub of activity offering classic tavern-style foods like fresh dough pizza, burgers, wings, and more. After a long day of hiking, you can kick back and relax at the Slickers Adirondack Tavern and enjoy dinner, a drink, and even a milkshake. Founded in 1984, Slickers is a long-standing restaurant in the Adirondacks community and is located at 3132 State Route 28 in Old Forge, NY.
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, both the Catskills and the Adirondacks have a lot to offer for your mountain getaway. As you decide which region to visit, remember you can always commit one day of your trip to visiting the other region.
Regardless of which mountain range you choose, the key is embracing the natural beauty and disconnecting from your daily life’s regular hustle and bustle!
