Summit Rock

At more than 140 feet, Summit Rock is a massive bedrock outcrop and the highest natural elevation in Central Park.

Visitors can journey up the south slope’s carved stone stairs to enjoy the vista at the peak, sunbathe on the lawn, or sit at the stone “amphitheater” with views to the wooded slopes to the south and east.

Before the creation of Central Park, Summit Rock was a prominent feature in Seneca Village, the predominantly African-American community that existed in the West 80s from 1825 to 1857.

The rock outcrop commanded views in all directions, including of Seneca Village and west to the Hudson River and beyond to the hills of New Jersey. You can still see the river though the corridor of 83rd Street. When Central Park was constructed, the elevation made it a natural place for designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux to build a carriage and pedestrian overlook.

Things you can do here

  • Self-Guided Tours

    A Walk Through History and Culture

    Visit destinations that highlight famous figures, beautiful backdrops, and black history in New York City.

    Tags: History / Art & Architecture

  • Tours

    Seneca Village Tour

    2:00 pm

    Before Central Park was built, the area from West 82nd to West 89th Street was home to Seneca Village, the largest community of African-American property owners in New York.

    Tags: History

    • Also in the area

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  • Park History

    Finding Joy in a History of Loss: Juneteenth in Central Park's Seneca Village

    Andrea Buteau of the Central Park Conservancy and composer/curator Andromeda Turre discuss creating a Juneteenth commemoration that is both a powerful act of somber remembrance and celebratory joy.

    Tags: Families / History / Best for Kids / Art Lovers

  • Park History

    How Geology Influenced Central Park's Design

    The land on which Central Park was constructed featured an unusually large amount of exposed bedrock, which heavily influenced how it was designed and built.

    Tags: Park Design / First-Time Visitors

  • Things to See and Do

    10 Date Ideas in Central Park

    Whether you're visiting for a first date or a longtime anniversary, here are 10 ideas for a fun getaway in the Park.

    Tags: Tips for Visiting

  • Park History

    5 Questions with Nadine Bryce, CUNY Professor, on Seneca Village

    The present Seneca Village landscape is ripe with opportunities to engage with its past, and community members like CUNY professor Nadine Bryce and her students are finding creative ways to bring learning outside of the classroom and into the Park.

    Tags: Conservancy Staff / About the Conservancy / History / Landscapes

  • Park Information

    A Reflection of Nature Itself: The Different Landscapes of Central Park

    Central Park is made up of a variety of landscapes that are diverse, intricate, and interconnected—just like the communities of Park-lovers who enjoy them.

    Tags: Trees / Nature Lovers / Lawns / Landscapes

  • Health and Fitness

    Embracing Wellness Outdoors: 5 Benefits of Being in Nature

    As many Park visitors have experienced firsthand, natural outdoor spaces have a positive impact on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. From the benefits of birdsong to the magic of movement, discover five fascinating ways time spent in Central Park can contribute to your overall wellbeing.

    Tags: Park Design / Nature Lovers / Plants and Trees / Landscapes