Running

Run Central Park with our free running guide and map!

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 offered by this urban oasis. 

Where to Run in Central Park

Below are the top locations for running in Central Park, as well as some recommended pre-mapped routes and distances. Use these to help you choose where to run based on distance, terrain, location and crowds.

You can also just head to the park and start running from any point you like. Or join one of our Running & Fitness classes!

Park Drives

The park drives loop around the entirety of the park and make it easy to get around efficiently. These roads are paved and mostly flat, with some hillier inclines in the north. Park drives are easy to access, come in a variety of distances, and offer the longest continuous running routes in Central Park. Here are the most popular:

  • 6.03-mile Full Loop: Circles the entire park. East Drive and West Drive connect 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. East Drive and West Drive connect at Center Drive (bottom of the loop) and at 102nd Street Crossing (top of the loop).
  • 4.92-mile Upper Loop: Skips the area south of Terrace Drive. East Drive and West Drive connect at Terrace Drive (bottom of the loop) and at Central Park North & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (top of the loop).
  • 4.04-mile Loop: Skips the areas south of Terrace Drive and north of 102nd Street Crossing. East Drive and West Drive connect at Terrace Drive (bottom of the loop) and at 102nd Street Crossing (top of the loop).
  • 1.71-mile Lower Loop: Skips the area north of Terrace Drive. East Drive and West Drive connect at Center Drive (bottom of the loop) and at Terrace Drive (top of the loop).
  • 1.42-mile Upper Loop: Skips the area south of 102nd Street Crossing. East Drive and West Drive connect at 102nd Street Crossing (bottom of the loop) and at Central Park North & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (top of the loop).

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 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. 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 bridle path loops to choose from, both on dirt. The shorter of the two is 1.66 miles and circles around the Reservoir. The full bridle path loop is 2.5 miles and extends beyond the Reservoir, further north to the North Meadow fields and across the 102nd Street Transverse. It eventually rejoins the main path after some time on the West Drive. Please note that horses have the right of way on the Bridle Paths, so make sure that you are aware of their location.

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. 

Free 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.

Central Park Running Tips

When choosing what time to run in Central Park, please note that the park is open daily from 6am to 1am. It is not advised to be in the park after hours, and you can be fined for doing so.

The recommended running direction is counterclockwise - but technically you are permitted to go either way.

Always watch for cyclists when crossing the road and be sure to avoid the bike lanes.

Water fountains do not stay on year-round. Bring cash in the winter months in case you need to purchase a bottle of water from a vendor cart

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.