Central Park Sightseeing Power Hike

Overview

Experience Central Park like never before on this brisk, 4-hour guided hike from the southern gates to the breathtaking Harlem Meer & new Davis Center. This high energy hike takes you past iconic landmarks & hidden gems & stunning landscapes. Starting at sunrise, experience the serene Hallett Nature Preserve, the historic Carousel, the beauty of Bethesda Terrace. Enjoy scenic views from Belvedere Castle, relax by the Great Lawn before finishing in the tranquil North Woods.
- Guided by local UWS residents covering ~4 miles of every iconic location.
- Iconic spots like The Mall, Bethesda Terrace & Bow Bridge, The Ramble, Belvedere Castle, Shakespear Gardens, Great Lawn, Conservatory Gardens
- Complimentary professional photo album capturing your adventure

This 4-hour hike will show you the true scale, beauty, and soul of Central Park & have you back, energized & inspired by lunchtime. We also build a complimentary photo album!

Burn calories. Beat the crowds. Behold Central Park!

City: New York City

Tue 10 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $150.00

Check availability

Tue 10 Jun

Starting at $150.00

Check availability

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What's Included

Bottled water

Local NYC Guides

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not for adolescents or kids under 18yrs
Must be quasi fit & prepared for a strenuous workout.
Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes.
Sunblock will be provided if requested

What To Expect

Central Park New York

Central Park Power Hike

Hallett Nature Sanctuary

The smallest of the Park’s three woodland landscapes, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary offers visitors an intimate experience of nature just steps from the busy streets of midtown. Rustic trails wind up and down the hill, leading to various overlooks and sitting areas near the shore of the Pond. Originally called “The Promontory” by the Park’s designers, the rocky hill was a prominent feature in the landscape, but without any walking paths it was not a place that visitors could explore. In the 1930s, it was fenced off and designated a bird sanctuary. In 1986, it was renamed in honor of George Hervey Hallett, Jr., an activist, nature enthusiast, and birder.

Wollman Rink

Wollman Rink Expand Ice Skating at Wollman Rink Wollman Rink is a historic attraction and favorite event venue year-round. Location: MAP | Enter at 59th Street and 5th or 6th Avenue Contact: (833) 615-3500 Wollman Rink has been a favorite attraction for visitors since its opening in 1950. In fall and winter, ice skating at the rink is one of the most popular things to do among New Yorkers and tourists alike. There's nothing quite like gliding across the ice beneath a starry sky, while surrounded by the splendor of the Manhattan skyline! And in the warmer months when the rink is not in use for skating, it gets transformed into NYC's most iconic pickleball court location. With 14 new courts as part of a three-year collaboration with CityPickle which runs through 2026, Wollman Rink offers visitors a unique opportunity to participate in this popular sport!

Central Park Carousel

About 250,000 people take a ride on the Central Park Carousel every year. The famous ride has been very popular since 1871 when the original attraction opened. At first, the Carousel was not received positively; the park commissioners objected to having commercial enterprises in the park. However, since it was such a success there have been four different models on the site, each of which has served as a pastime in Central Park. A favorite of park-goers, the first Carousel remained in operation until 1924. It was powered by a mule and horse who walked in a hidden compartment underground below the attraction. The animals were trained to start and stop with a foot tap from the ride’s operator above ground. The next two Carousels in the park were steam-powered and both destroyed by fire. In 1950, the Department of Parks and Recreation began to search for a replacement model, and they found one abandoned in an old trolley terminal in Brooklyn’s Coney Island.

The Dairy Visitor Center and Gift Shop

The Dairy, a Victorian cottage designed by Calvert Vaux and built between 1869 and 1871, is at the heart of the Children’s District. As its name suggests, this charming structure was originally home to fresh milk and snacks for children and their caregivers. Families enjoyed refreshments under the Dairy’s loggia (open-air porch) and cool breezes from the nearby pond. The large rolling lawn in front of the Dairy provided a place for children to play. The Dairy became Central Park's first visitor center in 1979 and was one of the first Conservancy restoration projects in the early 1980s. At that time, the building’s historic and colorful loggia was restored, which had been removed in the mid-20th century.

Sheep Meadow

This expansive 15-acre field holds a rich history and continues to be a cherished haven for visitors from all walks of life. Originally known as the "Commons," Sheep Meadow earned its current name during the 1860s when the park's designers envisioned a pastoral landscape where sheep could roam freely. While the days of grazing sheep have long passed, the meadow still carries the essence of its agricultural origins, inviting visitors to bask in its serene beauty. As you step onto the expanse, you'll be greeted by a panoramic view of towering skyscrapers juxtaposed against the backdrop of nature. It's a remarkable sight, blending the urban energy of New York City with the calming embrace of the great outdoors.

Bethesda Terrace

"The Heart of Central Park" – Discover Bethesda Terrace, a majestic two-tiered structure that houses the iconic Angel of Waters statue at the Bethesda Fountain. From the ornate carvings on the terrace to the breathtaking views of the lake, it offers a romantic and picturesque setting that's perfect for relaxation and photography.

Bow Bridge

"The Romantic Landmark" – Walk across the Bow Bridge, Central Park's most photographed and filmed cast-iron bridge, boasting a stunning view of the city skyline juxtaposed with the park's serene foliage. Enjoy its Victorian charm and picturesque vistas, making it an ideal spot for romance and leisurely strolls.

The Ramble

The lush Central Park woodland, known as the Ramble, is composed of 38 acres of winding pathways between 73rd and 78th streets. Described by Frederick Law Olmsted as a "wild garden", the Ramble's maze of trails amidst its abundant flora and fauna contrasts spectacularly with the formality of nearby attractions, such as the Bethesda Terrace. The Ramble is often noted for its bird-watching opportunities, where birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of some of the approximately 230 species found in the woods. Visitors can stop to take a look at the Gill, the man-made stream that runs through the Ramble.

Belvedere Castle

"The Enchanting Lookout" – Visit the whimsical Belvedere Castle, a mini castle perched atop Vista Rock, offering panoramic views of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, and the Ramble. Inside, it's a nature observatory, where visitors can learn about the park's wildlife and take part in bird-watching activities.

Cleopatra's Needle

Rising from the Great Lawn like a Time Warned Sentinel cleopatra's needle is a 3500-year-old Egyptian obelisk carved with hieroglyphics honoring Pharaoh Thutmose III An ancient wonder that now silently connects Central Park to the mysteries of the Nile. Weathered by centuries its presence offers a surreal, almost mythical contrast to the city skyline just beyond the trees.

Alexander Hamilton Statue

Standing with dignified resolve near the Great Lawn This Alexandra Hamilton statue pays tribute to America's brilliant controversial founding father. His gaze fixed forward as if still charting the nation's financial future Draped in 18th century detail the sculpture captures both his ambition and his legacy nestled quietly beneath a canopy of trees

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

Encircled by a 1.58-mile track and framed by sweeping skyline views The Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is Central Park's shimmering crown jewel a vast tranquil mirror that reflects both nature's calm and the city's pulse. Once the city's main water source it now draws joggers bird watchers and dreamers with its open sky and graceful stillness.

Harlem Meer

Nestled into the landscape at Central Park's northeastern edge that Davis Center at the Harlem Meer is a striking new hub where nature recreation and community converge. This $160,000,000 transformation replaces the outdated Laser rank and pool with a year-round facility featuring the Gotsman Pool New York City's 8th largest which morphs into an ice rink in winter and a grassy field the Harlem Oval in spring and fall.

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