Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners around Central Park
Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners around Central Park
1. Central Park Loop
The classic 6.0-mile loop follows East and West Drives, threading past meadows, arches, and reservoirs with rolling terrain that keeps the pace honest. Mile markers and water fountains make it ideal for structured workouts or sightseeing jogs.
✓ Why Go:
It’s car-free, scenic, and purpose-built for runners, offering varied elevation and plenty of landmarks to split tempo, interval, or long-run segments.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise on weekdays for the emptiest roads and golden light; late mornings in winter are also calm and bright.
✓ Insider Tip:
Run counterclockwise for the most common flow and safer cyclist interactions; use the 72nd Street Transverse to trim to a 5-mile loop.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners rave about the energy, the safety of the drives, and the ease of creating perfectly measured workouts without leaving the park.
2. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
A cinder path circles the mirror-like reservoir for 1.58 miles of flat, knee-friendly running with skyline views and breezes across the water.
✓ Why Go:
Soft surface and measured distance make it ideal for tempos, steady-state efforts, and shakeouts with minimal elevation change.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning and just before sunset for cooler temps and fewer pedestrians.
✓ Insider Tip:
The path is one-way counterclockwise—enter at Engineers’ Gate and keep right to maintain flow.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the rhythm of the loop, the forgiving surface, and postcard views of Midtown and the Upper West Side.
3. Bridle Path
Packed-dirt horse trails weave through the park, linking the Reservoir to the North Meadow and the 86th Street Transverse for soft, rolling miles.
✓ Why Go:
Low-impact footing reduces stress on legs while offering shade and quieter stretches away from the main drives.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning after dew or overnight rain has settled; avoid immediately after heavy storms.
✓ Insider Tip:
Wear slightly more lugged trainers; the surface can get rutted or muddy, especially north of the Reservoir.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners appreciate the trail feel in the middle of Manhattan and the break from pavement pounding.
4. Harlem Hill
The park’s famed climb rises near the northwest corner, delivering a sustained ascent that challenges form and lungs alike.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for hill repeats or strength-building efforts that pay off on race day.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings to minimize traffic on the narrowest sections of West Drive.
✓ Insider Tip:
Run controlled up and fast-but-relaxed down; use light, quick steps to save your calves on the descent.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Many call it a rite of passage—tough but rewarding, with a real sense of accomplishment at the top.
5. Cat Hill
A half-mile grind on East Drive marked by the bronze ‘Panther’ statue, Cat Hill is the go-to for controlled climbs in the park’s midsection.
✓ Why Go:
Shorter than Harlem Hill but steep enough to build power and improve running economy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings before commuter cyclists peak; late evenings are quieter too.
✓ Insider Tip:
Do 4–8 hill repeats from the 72nd Street Transverse up to the statue, jogging easy back down to recover.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners like the predictable grade and easy access from the park’s busiest entrances.
6. Bethesda Terrace Stairs
Wide, iconic staircases by the fountain are perfect for short, explosive efforts paired with flat recovery loops around the Mall and Cherry Hill.
✓ Why Go:
Stair running boosts power, form, and turnover while keeping sessions time-efficient.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning to avoid photo crowds and wedding shoots.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mix sets of 20–40 seconds up the steps with 2–3 minutes easy around the Terrace to maintain quality.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the dramatic setting and the ability to combine strength work with scenic jogging in minutes.
7. Great Lawn
A broad oval of green at the park’s heart with flat perimeter paths ideal for strides, drills, and relaxed recovery laps.
✓ Why Go:
Creates a track-like setting without leaving Central Park, perfect for form work after a loop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon when fields open and breezes pick up; avoid during major concerts or closures.
✓ Insider Tip:
Finish long runs with 6–8 x 100m relaxed strides on the flattest straightaways to reinforce efficient mechanics.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners appreciate the calm atmosphere and space to move freely even on busy days.
8. Belvedere Castle
Perched above Turtle Pond, the castle’s ramps and adjacent paths create a short, hilly circuit that doubles as a strength session with sweeping views.
✓ Why Go:
Compact hills let you stack quality minutes without straying far—great between meetings or sights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for solitude; blue-hour evenings for dramatic skyline silhouettes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Link a 10–15 minute hilly tempo around the castle with easy loops on the Great Lawn for a balanced workout.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the fairy-tale backdrop and the surprisingly tough micro-hills.
9. NYRR Run Center
The New York Road Runners hub just off Columbus Circle offers lockers, programming, community runs, and expert advice a few blocks from the park.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s running clubhouse—perfect for bib pickup, route intel, and joining a free group run.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday evenings for community runs; race weeks get lively with extended hours.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you forgot gear, the NB Run Hub inside stocks essentials; ask staff for current fountain and restroom statuses in the park.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Traveling runners value the welcoming vibe, clean facilities, and easy access to Central Park.
10. Tavern on the Green
A storied landmark by West Drive and the traditional marathon finish area—perfect for meeting up, starting a shakeout, or celebrating a hard session.
✓ Why Go:
It anchors countless runs and makes a memorable finish line for personal bests and group meetups.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for calm meetups; evenings for celebratory post-run meals on the patio.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the nearby West 67th Street entrance for quick access to the loop and water fountains.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners love the history and atmosphere—there’s a special buzz about finishing a workout here.
