The Loch: A Serene Escape in Central Park's North Woods
The Loch is a tranquil waterway nestled within Central Park's North Woods. This enchanting stream, adorned with cascading waterfalls and lush banks, offers a peaceful retreat just steps away from the busy city.
Originally envisioned as a lake by park designers Olmsted and Vaux, the Loch has naturally evolved into a winding brook over time. It attracts a diverse array of bird species and is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Loch flows through the Ravine as part of a network of interconnected water bodies. Water from the Pool becomes the Loch, which then winds through the Ravine, passing under the Glen Span and Huddlestone Arches. It originally drained directly into the Harlem Meer, but an underground culvert was created when Lasker Pool and Rink (now the Davis Center) were built in the 1960s. The original above-ground flow has since be restored with the opening of the Davis Center in 2025.