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Reservoir Runner in Spring
Discover Central Park's best running routes.
Central Park is the ultimate runner's dream. It's easy to understand why the famous New York Marathon has its final miles here every year!
Experience clarity, freedom, and excellent scenery while you explore the varying paths and terrain that Central Park has to offer.
Where to Run in Central Park
Below are the top running routes in Central Park. You can also head to the park and start running from any point or join one of our Running & Fitness classes to run with a group.
Park Drives Running Routes
Park drives offer the longest continuous running routes in Central Park. They loop around the entirety of the park and make it easy to get around efficiently. These roads are paved and mostly flat, except for some hillier inclines in the north.
Here are the most popular park drive routes:
6.03-mile Full Loop
Circles the entire park.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to high due to Harlem Hill in the north.
Route: Start anywhere on East Drive or West Drive. This loop connects at Center Drive (bottom of the loop) and at Central Park North & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (top of the loop).
5.14-mile Lower Loop
Skips the area north of 102nd Street Crossing.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Route: Start anywhere on East Drive or West Drive south of the 102nd Street Crossing (top of the loop). The bottom of the loop is at Center Drive.
4.92-mile Upper Loop
Skips the area south of Terrace Drive.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to high due to Harlem Hill in the north.
Route: Start anywhere on East Drive or West Drive north of Terrace drive (bottom of the loop). The top of the loop is at Central Park North & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.
4.04-mile Loop
Skips the areas south of Terrace Drive and north of 102nd Street Crossing.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Route: Start anywhere on East Drive or West Drive north of Terrace Drive (bottom of the loop) and south of 102nd Street Crossing (top of the loop).
1.71-mile Lower Loop
Skips the area north of Terrace Drive.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Route: Start anywhere on East Drive or West Drive south of Terrace Drive (top of the loop). The bottom of the loop is at Center Drive.
1.42-mile Upper Loop
Skips the area south of 102nd Street Crossing.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to High due to Harlem Hill in the north.
Route: Start anywhere on East Drive or West Drive north of 102nd Street Crossing (bottom of the loop). The top of the loop is at Central Park North & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.
Other Popular Running Routes
Reservoir Running Track: The popular 1.58-mile Reservoir loop has a slight 2º slope and offers spectacular city views on a soft surface crushed gravel track around the Reservoir. Tips: Be sure to stay to the right and run counterclockwise. Early morning and late evening are best for avoiding crowds.
Bridle Path Loops: There are two dirt bridle path loops to choose from. The shorter loop is 1.66 miles and circles around the Reservoir. The full loop spans 2.5 miles, extending north beyond the Reservoir to the North Meadow fields and crossing the 102nd Street Transverse before reconnecting with the main path via West Drive. Please note: Horses have the right of way on the Bridle Paths, so be mindful of equestrians.
Great Lawn Oval: There is a 0.55-mile (885 meters) paved pathway around the Great Lawn Oval that's great for running laps.
Off the Beaten Path: Be sure to check out the North Woods and The Ramble for a woodland-type experience. From winding pathways and hidden waterfalls to unique species of flora and fauna, there is much to be discovered on a run through both locations.
Central Park Running Map
Download our free running map before you head to Central Park! Know where to go, and discover the location of different paths, restrooms, drinking fountains, call boxes and more.
Running Tips
Park Hours: Central Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. It is not recommended to enter the park after hours, as this can result in fines.
Running Direction: While the recommended direction is counterclockwise, you are technically allowed to run in either direction.
Cyclists and Bike Lanes: Always be cautious when crossing roads and avoid entering bike lanes to ensure a safe run.
Hydration: Note that water fountains are not operational year-round. During winter, consider bringing cash to purchase water from vendor carts if needed. Alternatively, some restrooms may have accessible water sources.
Running Groups & Tours
Our partners Fit Tours NYC and City Running Tours offer small group running tours so you can sight-see while you sweat! There's also a sunrise walk with stops for yoga poses at some of Central Park's most picturesque attractions. Visit our Running & Fitness Tours page for schedules and details.
The New York Road Runners group hosts more than 100 running events each year in Central Park, including the famous annual NYE Midnight Run and fireworks display. They have a kiosk at the E. 90th Street entrance and East Drive by Engineers' Gate, where runners can stop for assistance and information about events.