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The Loch
4.5 ★★★★★ 279 Google reviews · Running trail in New York, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from The Loch'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.
Picturesque Central Park stream running from the Pool, under bridges, to the Harlem Meer.
What runners say about The Loch
“The hidden gem - walked the footpath and saw this beautiful waterfall.”
“This is a rustic and quiet place within Central Park that is mostly known to and visited by locals.”
This is the premier bird watching spot in NYC. Go early and be respectful of the fragile environment. Birds love this place, and we need to respect their home just like any other sacred space. Perfect for aquiet but exciting walks with local and migratory wildlife.
A nice path along the little stream with quite a few spots to get down by the water. It's been recent redone and is very nice.
Beautiful area of Central Park. It's a small stream with paths on either side. The path to the west is uphill and a little further from the steam. The path to the east is at a similar level with little short little finger paths and a boardwalk that being you right to the steam.
I came here with my friend to hang out in the summer. I would say this is a hidden garden because the Loch was difficult to find. The path to these woods was covered by trees, so you need to push through yourself to go to the hidden Loch. Out there, there is a small waterfall.
Trail conditions & character
“The waterfalls provide an escape from the noises of police sirens and car honking for visitors, replacing it with the soothing sounds of birds chirping and flowing water.”
“This is a rustic and quiet place within Central Park that is mostly known to and visited by locals.”
“The path to the east is at a similar level with little short little finger paths and a boardwalk that being you right to the steam.”
Plan your run at The Loch
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitecentralparknyc.org
- Phone(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.
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