North Woods

The North Woods stands as the most rugged and remote section of Central Park, designed to transport visitors away from the city streets and into a landscape reminiscent of the Adirondack Mountains. While much of Central Park was heavily manicured during its creation, designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux chose to emphasize the existing dramatic rock outcrops and steep hills in this corner of the park. This creates a rare environment in Manhattan where you can encounter the island’s ancient schist bedrock rising prominently through the forest floor. The area was intentionally crafted to offer urban residents an immersive, wild experience that felt like a true escape from the surrounding metropolis.