Central Park Hidden Gems
Walking through Central Park is one of the best things to do in New York City. Central Park is larger than Monaco, but only the fifth largest park in New York City. This Central Park fact surprises a lot of visitors, because on most maps, it can appear Central Park is the biggest park in New York City. A closer look at these maps reveals 4 larger parks, but they are all located outside of Manhattan.
Where is Central Park? Central Park spans from 59th Street to 110th between Central Park West (also known as Eighth Avenue) and Fifth Avenue. Central Park provides a much-needed nature break for New Yorkers, and is often referred to as “The Lungs of the City”.
Some of the most famous areas to visit in Central Park are: Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, The Great Lawn, and Wollman Rink. Scattered amongst these Central Park landmarks are Central Park hidden gems even most locals have yet to discover. Let’s explore some Central Park hidden gems.
Summit Rock
The highest natural point in Central Park is Summit Rock. To find this highest point in Central Park, enter at Central Park West and 85th Street. This entrance is also known as Mariner’s Gate. Follow the gently-curving path on your right. You will see signs for Summit Rock. When you see these, you will know you’re on the right path.
Summit Rock is 142 feet above sea level. On a clear winter’s day, you can see the Hudson River from this vantage point. In the summit, New York City’s blooming trees obscure the view a bit, but it’s still beautiful.
Summit Rock used to be at the heart of an organized community known as Seneca Village. Seneca VIllage existed before Central Park was created. It has a very complicated history. If you would like to know more, we have a blog entry about it.
Tanner’s Spring
On the south side of Summit Rock, you will find what looks like a big muddy puddle. This muddy puddle is actually the only natural spring in Central Park. Today, the only natural spring in Central Park is known as Tanner’s Spring. It got its name because in 1880, a very eclectic doctor named Henry Samuel Tanner decided to fast for 40 days and 40 nights, under constant observation. He believed this was therapeutic and would cure disease. The only sustenance he would take was pure water from Central Park’s only natural spring. Hence this became known as Tanner’s Spring. The water flow is significantly less than it was back in the day, but it can still be seen. Tanner’s Spring is also believed to have been an important freshwater source for Seneca Village.
The Ramble
The Ramble can be found on the west side of Central Park between 72nd and 79th street. This area of Central Park design was inspired by the Catskills and the Adirondacks. During Central Park’s hot muggy summers, in the days before air conditioning, Manhattan’s elite would retreat to these areas. The designers of Central Park, Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead, wanted to give those who could not leave, a taste of this paradise.
There are over 60 different specimens of trees in the Ramble. Central Park is an important stop on the Atlantic Flyway, the migratory highway for birds, and birds love that the ramble feels like true wilderness with so many different trees. So if you’re a bird watcher, this is where you want to be. One feature of the Ramble that local New Yorkers love, is the waterfalls. The Ramble is a true New York City retreat.
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