The Ramble

A 36-acre woodland retreat in the middle of the Park, the Ramble features meandering paths, quiet coves, and rich forest gardens.
Over 210 bird species have also been spotted here, making it a favorite area for birders.
Described by Frederick Law Olmsted as a “wild garden,” the Ramble was created for strolling, exploration, and peaceful contemplation. The Conservancy recently restored the landscape to renew the area’s scenic character and preserve the woodland escape at the heart of Central Park’s design, maintaining an atmosphere reminiscent of the Adirondacks, an original intent of the Park’s design.
The twisting paths and thick canopy inside make it easy to get lost in the sights and sounds of lush greenery, giant boulders, and migrating birds. But if you’re lucky, you could stumble upon three of the Ramble’s most popular features: Azalea Pond, which gets its name from the century-old azalea plants at its southern end; the Gill, a stream that feeds into the pond; and Ramble Stone Arch, often considered one of Central Park’s most picturesque bridges.
Nestled within the Ramble’s woodland gardens, you’ll also spot handcrafted rustic features like bridges, benches, and an overlook, built by the Conservancy’s rustic crew. Other features date back far earlier: check out the Ramble shelter, which still stands on its original 19th-century posts.
Visitors can find their way into the Ramble from Bow Bridge to the south, Belvedere Castle from the north, or the East and West Drives.
Things you can do here

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

Self-Guided Tours
A Walk Around the Lake

Daily Activities
Running Guide

Nature
Guide to Fall Foliage in Central Park
Tags: Woodlands

Self-Guided Tours
The Ramble Tour
Wander through the naturalistic beauty of the Ramble, the most intricate and detailed landscape in Central Park.
Tags: Woodlands
Read more

Things to See and Do
Stories from Central Park
We set out to capture some of their stories and create a picture of the Park on an average day, through our visitors' eyes.
Tags: Families / Summer

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
10 Date Ideas in Central Park
Tags: Tips for Visiting

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: Tips for Visiting

Park Information
Sculpted Nature: Landscape Architecture in Central Park
Tags: Park Design

Programs and Events
New Yorkers Celebrate Spring in Central Park
A full day of free special events and programs unfolded across Central Park on March 20 to celebrate the first day of spring.
Tags: Families / Conservancy Staff / Spring

Things to See and Do
The Ramble: ‘A Sense of Mystery’ Across 36 Acres
The Ramble is the landscape that most embodies Central Park’s enduring purpose as an urban oasis.
Tags: Park Design / Nature Lovers / Park Experts

Restoration and Maintenance
Restoring Central Park in 2018
We completed several restoration projects in 2018—read more about our recent work and see before and after photos.
Tags: Playgrounds

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: Pollinators / Nature Lovers

Restoration and Maintenance
A Look Back: Improving Central Park in 2017

Park History
See Newly Digitized Images of Winter in Central Park
Snowy scenes from the 1980s and 1990s are some of Central Park Conservancy's most recently digitized images.
Tags: Conservancy Staff

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

Q&As
5 Questions with Phil Rosenthal, TV Writer and Producer
Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal shares his fondest memories of the Park, his idea of a perfect picnic there, and what he’ll do when the coronavirus pandemic is all over.