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

    Guide to Fall Foliage in Central Park

    Each fall, many of Central Park’s roughly 18,000 trees transform into golden shades of yellow, orange, red, and more.

    Tags: Woodlands

  • Daily Activities

    Running Guide

    Runners new and seasoned alike enjoy a variety of loops and trails in Central Park.

  • 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

  • Self-Guided Tours

    A Walk Around the Lake

    Visit the newly rebuilt boat landings around the Lake — recreated with their original designs from the 19th century in mind.

  • 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

  • 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

    8 Secrets of Central Park

    Central Park can surprise even lifelong New Yorkers with secluded spots and enthralling secrets.

    Tags: Tips for Visiting / 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

  • 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

  • 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 / Programs and Events / Spring

  • Restoration and Maintenance

    A Look Back: Improving Central Park in 2017

    From renovating your favorite landscapes to reconstructing historic elements you may have never seen before, we continue to enhance the Park for today’s (and tomorrow’s) visitors.

  • 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 / Health and Fitness

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    Tags: Q&A

  • Park Information

    Sculpted Nature: Landscape Architecture in Central Park

    Every acre of the Park was meticulously designed and built as part of a larger composition, created through the practice that would come to be known as "landscape architecture."

    Tags: Park Design

  • 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 / History / Nature Lovers / Park Experts