Fall Guide
The season known for its vibrant color palette, crisp weather, and myriad of migratory birds is here. Explore the Central Park Conservancy’s official fall guide, guaranteed to give you an amazing autumn in the Park.
As the hours of daylight slowly dwindle and the cool weather prompts the return of hoodies and sweaters, Central Park begins to show its true colors.
Looking for a front-row seat at the foliage fashion show? Our interactive fall foliage tracker is here! Conservancy arborists are out in the Park every day caring for the trees and letting New Yorkers know where to find the best and brightest foliage, so revisit this interactive map for continuous updates.
Keep reading to figure out what to add to your fall bucket list, learn about birds' migration patterns, find a peaceful spot to people- and wildlife-watch, and more.
Stay connected and up to date on the latest events and happenings around Central Park with the Conservancy by following us on social media. Also, be sure to tag us (@CentralParkNYC) in all your photos from the Park!
“Fall” into the Swing of Things in Central Park
We could go on endlessly about why we love caring for Central Park—and we have! After you spend some time enjoying the Park’s spectacular fall foliage, relax by reading our robust online magazine to learn about the Conservancy’s work, how we care for this space, and the history behind the creation of the Park.
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Peak Foliage Watch
In the coming weeks, different parts of Central Park will reach their peak color—and you can enjoy every moment with our arborist-approved fall foliage tracker. Revisit this map for continuous updates throughout the season, and we’ll let you know when and where to catch peak foliage in Central Park. -
About the Conservancy
The Winged Wonders of Central Park
Central Park is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a major migratory route for birds extending from South America to Greenland—making it a well-known bucket list location for many birders and non-birders alike. In an average year, an ambitious birder can spot about 200 species of birds in the Park, many of them migrants. What might you see this season?Tags: Tips for Visiting / Nature Lovers / Park Experts
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Audio Guide
Explore Central Park through the Magic of Audio... and a Time Machine
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Central Park even if you’re not in NYC? Keep your eyes (and ears) out for an expanded audio guide available in multiple languages. And for the kids in your life: Join Alex, a Central Park Conservatory Guide, and Lettie, a time-traveler from 1920s Harlem, and follow their adventures through space and time courtesy of The Central Park Time Machine.Tags: History / Audio Guides / Art & Architecture
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Park History
Blast from the Past
Can’t get enough of fall foliage in New York City’s backyard? Get lost in this collection of photos from our archives as you experience the Park’s evolution over the years.Tags: Fall / Highlights / Staff Picks / Nature Lovers / Plants and Trees / Landscapes
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About the Conservancy
Chess Under the Trees
Nestled atop a large rock outcropping in the south end of Central Park is an octagonal brick building with unique architectural details. It’s surrounded by game tables in the shade of a rustic wooden trellis and towering trees—the perfect location for a game of chess in the crisp autumn air. Read more about the Conservancy’s recent restoration of Chess & Checkers House and its surrounding landscape. Photo by Timothy SchenckTags: Conservancy Staff / Park Design / About the Conservancy / Rustic Architecture / History / Park Experts / Landscape Design / Restoration and Maintenance
FALLing in love with Autumn
Whether it’s enjoying the peace and tranquility of the Park’s woodlands or revisiting iconic landmarks, there’s so much for newcomers and frequent visitors alike to explore this season.
Get to Know the Park with a Conservancy Guide
Interested in an even more tailored Park experience? Look no further than our expert Conservancy staff and their decades of Park research. Our staff offers in-person and virtual tours, online weekly walks, and handy maps for your self-guided tours.
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Tours
Ready, Set, (Click) Central Park
10:00 amWant to experience everything Central Park has to offer? From going on a stroll through the Mall and under the rows of American elm trees to taking a quick snapshot of the picture-perfect Bethesda Terrace, this tour will cover your Central Park bucket list.Tags: History / Art & Architecture / Daily Tours
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Tours
Discover Fall Migration Season with our Expert Guides
11:00 amFall migration season in Central Park is a spectacular sight to behold! With over 210 bird species visiting the Park each year, it’s the ideal spot to hone your birding skills. Join us for our Birding Basics tour in the Ramble this season, and learn tips and tricks from Conservancy experts to help you spot and identify birds.Tags: Staff Picks / Wildlife
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Tours
Get Lost in Nature
11:00 amAs the smallest of Central Park’s three woodland escapes, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary provides Park visitors the beauty and complexity of nature just steps away from the bustling activity of Midtown. Can’t get enough of the Park’s autumn woodland landscapes? Check out our fall tours of the Ramble and the North Woods!Tags: Wildlife / Plants and Trees
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Tours
Wash Your Worries Away
This fall, experience Central Park’s seasonal colors and try forest bathing: a science-backed mindfulness exercise to reduce stress and promote mental health and wellbeing. On this walk, Conservancy guides will lead you around the Pool and share the science of fall foliage and engage your senses with a variety of forest bathing techniques.Tags: Staff Picks / Wildlife / Plants and Trees
The Park Needs Us
Central Park may feel like one big dog park, but there are a few rules to help everyone enjoy their time and stay safe. Don’t worry, it’s nothing more complicated than “Sit, stay, fetch!”
Follow along as a Central Park pup leads a tour through the north end to some of his favorite spots.