The Ramble is the Reason You Never Have to Leave New York City to Hike.
The best place to hike in NYC is hidden in plain sight.
Overview:
Length: 36 acres
Difficulty: Intermediate
No bathroom on trail
General Location: Center of Central Park, above the Lake and below the Great Lawn.
I love New York City as much as the next person, but sometimes, the concrete jungle can get a little too hustley and bustley. When I need a break from it all, I head into Central Park. More specifically, the Ramble. Central Park isn’t just an amateur green space; it’s packed with some of the best places to hike in New York, including the 36-acre wooded forest called the Ramble.
I’d recommend coming here if you really want to walk. It’ll take you up and down nature trails, past quiet waterfalls, through a beautiful canopy, along the Central Park Lake, and across some stunning bridges.
How easy is it to walk?
The Ramble is very walkable, but it’s not your straight-line, grid-style stroll. Paths curve and overlap, there are a few gentle inclines, and you might find yourself surprised to be out of breath, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker, but wear comfortable shoes and give yourself permission to get a little lost. If you can handle a leisurely 45 minutes to an hour of wandering, you’ll be just fine.
How big is it?
At 36 acres, the Ramble is large enough to feel immersive but small enough that you won’t get overwhelmed. You can breeze through it in 20 minutes by just grazing the outer trail along the water, or spend over an hour exploring side paths, birdwatching (it’s one of the best spots in the city for that), or sitting on a rock having a conversation with passing turtles. Yes, there are turtles.
Getting there from Penn Station
Getting to the Ramble from Penn Station is refreshingly easy:
Hop on the A, C, or 1 train uptown
Get off at 59th Street–Columbus Circle
Walk northeast into Central Park and follow signs toward The Ramble. Specifically, the Ramble is on the north side of the Lake, which you’ll notice right away because it’s the first major water body in Central Park.
From the park entrance, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to the heart of the Ramble.
Where to eat nearby
Once you emerge from the Ramble, you’ll have great food options right there in the park:
Tavern on the Green – Not to far from the Ramble and perfect if you want a classic New York meal with zero effort. Yes, it’s pricey, but the food is actually very delicious and the vibes are immaculate. On occasion, you’ll hear live music in the outside hall, with permission to dance along.
The Loeb Boathouse (when open seasonally) – Ideal for lunch with lake views and romantic energy. I recommend eating here at sunset in the warmer seasons. And get the stuffed mushrooms. You can also come and chill out at the bar or cafe for something a little more casual.
Le Pain Quotidien – Just below the Ramble is my favorite French cafe chain. They have pastries that’ll blow your mind, including the legendary Crookie (cookie croissant). And yes, it is magical. If savory is more your thing, you can also grab a sandwich and a variety of chic breakfast foods.
Why it’s worth your time
The Ramble isn’t flashy. It doesn’t pose for tacky photos the way Times Square does (though sometimes that’s the vibe). Instead, it invites you to slow down, wander without a plan, and see a softer version of New York.
If you’re visiting NYC and want to remember what nature feels like, the Ramble should absolutely be on your list.
