Crafted in 1862 by Calvert Vaux, the Riftstone Arch stands as a naturalistic stone arch vehicle bridge hewn from Manhattan schist, serving as the gateway for the 72nd Street entrance to the park.
It's brick supports are disguised beneath a layer of boulders, shrubbery, and trees. Being one of Central Park's "natural" arches, it remains less frequented as most pedestrian and vehicular traffic passes over it on 72nd Street when entering the park. The bridle path beneath it sees fewer riders, thus making it a lesser-known gem within the park.