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Central Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 300,064 Google reviews · Running trail in New York, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Central Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Sprawling park with pedestrian paths & ballfields, plus a zoo, carousel, boat rentals & a reservoir.
What runners say about Central Park
“Central Park is one of the most beautiful urban parks in the world and a perfect example of how landscape design can transform a busy city into a peaceful public space.”
“The park's aesthetic layout is thoughtfully designed, with winding pathways, picturesque bridges, open meadows, and peaceful lakes creating stunning views around every corner.”
This park feels like the ultimate urban escape and comes remarkably close to perfection. One moment you’re wandering through peaceful wooded paths, and the next you’re relaxing on open lawns or enjoying live performances, many of them free.
Central Park in the Fall — Absolutely Magical! Visiting Central Park in autumn was better than I ever imagined. The colors, the crisp air, the skyline peeking through the trees — it felt straight out of a movie, only real.
Beautiful in every season, but fall is my favorite, especially when the leaves are changing. Best enjoyed in the morning while it’s still quiet. The Literary Walk is a standout—perfect for sitting on a bench and people-watching. Truly an oasis in the middle of the city.
You obviously know it's famous, but hitting Central Park with a buddy after walking the concrete streets all day is a total game-changer. It is massive, chaotic, and beautiful all at once.
Trail conditions & character
“Central Park is one of the most beautiful urban parks in the world and a perfect example of how landscape design can transform a busy city into a peaceful public space.”
“The park's aesthetic layout is thoughtfully designed, with winding pathways, picturesque bridges, open meadows, and peaceful lakes creating stunning views around every corner.”
“One moment you’re wandering through peaceful wooded paths, and the next you’re relaxing on open lawns or enjoying live performances, many of them free.”
Plan your run at Central Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitecentralparknyc.org
- Phone+1 212-310-6600
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–1 am |
| Tuesday | 6 am–1 am |
| Wednesday | 6 am–1 am |
| Thursday | 6 am–1 am |
| Friday | 6 am–1 am |
| Saturday | 6 am–1 am |
| Sunday | 6 am–1 am |
Running trails near New York
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Ramble
4.7 ★★★★★ 804 reviews
A heavily wooded, 36-acre section of Central Park with rocky outcroppings, laced with walking paths.
Runners' Grove
4.6 ★★★★★ 22 reviews
The Loch
4.5 ★★★★★ 279 reviews
Picturesque Central Park stream running from the Pool, under bridges, to the Harlem Meer.
Hudson River Waterfront Greenway
4.8 ★★★★★ 178 reviews
Waterfront park with running & cycling paths, popular for watching the sun set over the Hudson.
The Ravine
4.7 ★★★★★ 130 reviews
A 90-acre, deciduous woodland & stream tucked into Central Park, inspired by the Adirondacks.
North Woods Loch Double Waterfall
4.7 ★★★★★ 75 reviews
Natural area in Central Park with a peaceful vibe, a waterfall, and walking paths.