North Woods

Found in the northwest corner of Central Park, the 40-acre North Woods offers a taste of the peaceful Adirondack Mountains.
Under the cover of soaring trees, visitors can wander along winding paths to enjoy the wilderness of the Ravine, birdwatch, or gaze over the waters of the Loch.
Perhaps the most secluded and peaceful area of the Park, the North Woods offers a natural oasis far from any skyscrapers, fulfilling the Park’s original purpose as a respite from the stresses of City living. It’s the largest of Central Park’s three woodlands. Conservancy staff carefully leave fallen trees, also called snags, where they land to provide nutrients for plants, and homes for abundant wildlife.
In the heart of the North Woods is the Ravine, the Park’s only stream valley. Two rustic arches, Huddlestone and Glen Span, form the southwestern and northeastern borders. Threaded through this landscape is the Loch, a stream that pools in some places and cascades in others. In 2017, the Conservancy restored the Ravine, and added a new rustic overlook and nearby seating.
Visitors will also find a piece of New York City history in the North Woods: the Blockhouse. Central Park’s oldest building, it’s the only remaining fortification of the many built by New Yorkers during the War of 1812.
Things you can do here

Self-Guided Tours
Wandering in the North Woods
Discover the peaceful, wild woodland that’s little-known to most visitors.
Tags: Woodlands

Virtual
Weekly Walks: North Woods
12:30 pmExplore an idyllic 40-acre landscape designed to bring a taste of the Adirondacks to New York City.
Tags: Weekly Walks

Nature
Guide to Fall Foliage in Central Park
Tags: Woodlands

Daily Activities
Running Guide

Nature
Birding Guide
Each year, more than 210 bird species make an appearance in Central Park, a popular stopover along the Atlantic Flyway.
Tags: Woodlands
Read more

Things to See and Do
8 Secrets of Central Park
Tags: Tips for Visiting / Park Experts

Things to See and Do
Make Central Park a Part of Your Thanksgiving Tradition
Celebrating Thanksgiving in New York City can be especially magical, and we want to help you make lasting memories.
Tags: Families / Fall / Tips for Visiting

Plants and Trees
What Are Central Park’s Most Colorful Fall Trees?
In appreciation of this photogenic time of year, we asked a Conservancy arborist what trees you should look for this autumn and where to find them.
Tags: Fall / Trees

Things to See and Do
From the Mailbag: Solitude, Sports, and Skyline Views
We received curious inquiries on everything from the best places to take skyline photos to the history of the Minton tile ceiling in the Bethesda Terrace Arcade.
Tags: Health and Fitness / Tips for Visiting

Wildlife
Flying in Plain Sight: The Bats of Central Park
Nine species of bats live in New York State, and Central Park’s 843 acres of sprawling meadows, woodlands, and water bodies play a crucial role in their health.
Tags: Nature Lovers

Things to See and Do
10 Date Ideas in Central Park
Tags: Tips for Visiting