This Scenic New York Trail Is Even Better With Family and Friends

New York City’s Central Park is a world of its own, with more than 21 playgrounds, several renowned gardens, statues, historical monuments, bridges and arches, hiking trails, ponds, a zoo, and many other unique features. However, nestled in the northwest corner of Central Park, between 101st and 110th streets, lies a hidden oasis of 40 acres of lush greenery, woodlands, waterfalls, ponds, and wildlife. There's so much to admire here, in fact, that you'll agree that it's even better when experienced with family or friends.

If you've never ventured to the North Woods in Central Park, you're in for quite an adventure. It's a large woodland landscape filled with countless treasures. There are the Loch waterfalls (yes, there are calm, beautiful waterfalls!), the Pool (which is a huge pond), the Glen Span Arch, the Huddlestone Arch, the Ravine, the Blockhouse (a remaining structure from the War of 1812), the Harlem Meer, the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the Davis Recreational Center, and more.

Journeying through the North Woods and the nearby areas is not your typical hike or trail; it is an experience that provides tranquility and adventure. And, while hiking and exploring a new trail often lends itself to solitude and quiet, the North Woods Trail Loop in New York City’s Central Park is too good not to share with a group of loved ones. And, if you’re not staying in the city, but rather another part of New York state, this trail and the surrounding area's activities are worth a day trip.

While there are many trails in Central Park, the North Woods Trail Loop is approximately 3.7 miles and takes about an hour and a half to complete, if you’re walking at a steady pace. But, with walking paths along a gorgeous ravine, the beautiful wildlife, and scenic atmosphere, you can spend hours just soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.

One of the most pleasant surprises along the North Woods Loop is the gentle waterfalls that are along the paths of the trail. One of my favorite things to do is sit on one of the benches facing the large pond, affectionately known as “The Pool” (located near W 101st and W 102nd Streets). It's often full of beautiful ducks and turtles, and it’s a great place to spot unique birds. Central Park has more than 18,000 trees, and the North Woods is a very popular location for birding, thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Flyway, a migratory bird route. It's believed that over 210 unique species migrate through it.

Thanks to the generosity and diligence of the Central Park Conservancy, there are many beautiful spaces to rest, bike paths, and even large lawns for sunbathing or reading a book, all in designated areas along the trail and nearby. Plus, the trails are well-maintained throughout the year.

If there are animal-lovers in your crew, it’s not uncommon for geese and colorful little chipmunks to cross your path, and to witness a cluster of turtles sunbathing together while they’re all perched on a rock near the edge of the ravine or pond. And if you walk a bit north between 103rd and 110th streets, you’ll discover several beautiful gardens with their own unique personalities, like the Conservatory Garden (105th Street and 5th Avenue), which houses the infamous “Vanderbilt Gate,” The North Meadow Butterfly Gardens (mid park at around 103rd Street), the North Garden, the Italianate Center Garden, and the South Garden.

As you walk north along the path a bit more, several smaller trails open up to the walking path along the Harlem Meer, which happens to be one of my favorite locations in all of Central Park. It’s such a beautiful landscape with willow trees and a few small cobblestone paths. The cute little house that you see overlooking the water is actually the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (it offers fishing lessons, history about the area, and even unique art exhibitions seasonally), it and leads directly to the new Davis Center, which provides lots of wonderful programming to the community like ice-skating lessons, figure skating, a space for hockey games and practice, swimming, and so much more. And, while this trail is definitely beautiful in the winter, it remains stunning all year long.

The North End, and northernmost part of the North Woods, is my favorite trail out of all of the many trails in Central Park and the North Woods, because it is so scenic, and always filled with so many beautiful families and kids, adults walking their dogs, and early morning runners, and even older members of the community who sit along the benches leading up to the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. Having the privilege to step inside this quiet oasis on any given day and get rest from the hustle and bustle of New York City is a gift that I and so many other New Yorkers and visitors to the city do not take for granted. 

Are you feeling compelled to plan your next hike or visit to New York? Check out these trending vacation rentals in New York and try planning your next trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.