Best Fall Photo Spots

Explore the Fall Foliage in Central Park!

Beginning in October and continuing into early November, Central Park comes alive with the colors of fall. Some say that Central Park is at its most beautiful during this time, when the leaves turn into a light show of orange, yellow, gold, maroon and shades of red that can only be found in Mother Nature. Just as in spring when the trees are rich with bloom, the fall colors and the seasonal transformation are a feast for the eyes and a photographer’s delight.

This is our list of the top spots for avid photographers and nature-lovers to capture these colors and view the changing of the leaves. A number of these places are located around the bodies of water in Central Park, since the detail of the trees reflected in water makes for gorgeous photographs.

The Pond

Starting on the south side at Central Park South between 5th & 6th Avenues, the area known as the Pond, famous for the Gapstow Bridge, becomes a kaleidoscope of colors. Due to the vines on the bridge and the surrounding trees of Black Cherry, Sawtooth Oak, Gray Birch and Tupelo, it is a favorite fall spot of photographers. Add in the wildlife aspect of the ducks and geese that inhabit the pond, and it becomes a top spot for local New Yorkers and tourists alike.

The Mall

Proceeding north through the park will lead you to The Mall (located mid park between 66-72nd street) - home of the largest collection of American elms in Central Park and a popular spot in the fall for a stroll, especially when it’s under the canopy of yellow leaves that these trees create. Sit on one of the benches that line the literary walk and listen to music or have your portrait done. Here you are certain to encounter a vast array of street artists as well.

Bethesda Fountain

Continue your stroll north, up to the Bethesda Terrace (mid park 72nd street). Looking out over the Bethesda Fountain, you can take in the view of the Lake and the trees that border the area. The reflection of the changing trees in the water is breathtaking. You are also certain to see many engagement and wedding photographs being taken in this area.

Bow Bridge

Continue towards the West in the direction of Bow Bridge (Mid-Park at 74th Street west of Bethesda Terrace), the most photographed bridge in Central Park. Its 2015 restoration has left it looking even more beautiful than ever. The bridge cannot take a bad photo, and when you add the changing colors to its background you have a gorgeous backdrop for photos in this area.

The Ramble

Once you cross the Bow Bridge, you can wander through the area known as The Ramble (is composed of 38 acres of winding pathways between 73rd and 78th streets). Take a mini escape from the hectic pulse of NYC with a stroll through the Ramble, with its tall trees and natural wooded atmosphere reminiscent of the Adirondacks.

Turtle Pond

If you find the path that takes you up to Belvedere Castle (Mid-Central Park at 79th Street), you will be rewarded with the amazing views over Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn. You will also be able to capture images of some of the classic prewar buildings framed by the magnificent colors of the leaves.

The Reservoir

As you continue heading north, you will reach the Reservoir (85th Street to 96th Street, from east to west). Due to the different kinds of Cherry trees around it, you will notice that the east side of the Reservoir is lined with yellow leaves and a sharp contrasting dark bark, while the west side of the Reservoir is bathed in red and bronze.

North Woods

Enjoy the peace and calm of the North Woods (mid-park 102nd Street) as you stroll through a forest of Black Cherry, Pin Oak, Red Oak, Scarlet Oak, Red Maple and American Elm, with colors ranging from yellow to red to scarlet to brown. The waterfalls, trees and story bridges here offer many unique opportunities to take photos.

Conservatory Garden

Head to the Conservatory Garden (East Side from 104th-106th Streets), not just for the trees but also for the plants and flowers. The Gardens are comprised of three separate and unique gardens, each more beautiful than the next. The photo opportunities are limitless. This is another favorite spot for engagement and wedding photos, and you might even come across a wedding ceremony in the area as you’re passing by. Some of the most interesting trees and plants to be found here include: Crabapple, Stewart, Star Magnolia, and Mums.

Harlem Meer

Finally, head up to the Harlem Meer (North East corner from 106-110th Street), an area that is completely surrounded by trees. Similar to the Pond and the Lake, the reflections of the trees in their fall colors provide a lovely backdrop to anyone’s photos.

Central Park is one big photography studio and a perfect background in all seasons, but what makes the fall so special is the constantly changing palette of colors that offers so many unique opportunities to capture amazing images. With so much ground to cover for this feature, we realize that we may have left some other places (e.g. Shakespeare Garden) off of the list.

Share your photos with us! Do you have a favorite spot that you like to go in fall to take pictures? Tag us on IG @centralpark_ny