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

Daily Activities

Running Guide

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

A deeply-shadowed rustic path through the Ramble

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

A birder using binoculars on the shore of the Lake

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

Cherry blossoms announce the arrival of spring, reflected in the Lake

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.

A couple strolling the North Woods and leaf-peeping the autumn foliage

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

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

A summer softball game on Heckscher Ballfields with Umpire Rock looming in the background

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

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

A spring scene with a fallen log spanning a small stream

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

A dog with a fluffy, golden coat with the green of the Park in the background

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

Light streams throught the dense branches of the Ramble

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

A couple huddle under an umbrella with the snow-covered Park surrounding Conservatory Water behind them

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

Autumnal leaves of rust and green are reflected in the water below

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

The bat is pictured hanging upside down from a leafy branch

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

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.

A man in a fedora is seen from behind with a wintery scene in the background

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 / History

"Somebody Feed Phil" filming in Central Park

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.