The Pool, Central Park – Central Park (west entrance) loop from 86th Street
The Pool, Central Park – Central Park (west entrance) loop from 86th Street
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(5252)
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The Pool, Central Park – Central Park (west entrance) loop from 86th Street
02:23
9.09km
70m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 1.98 km for 118 m
Closed: • 1:00 AM-6:00 AM (otherwise open)
After 2.89 km for 119 m
Closed: • 1:00 AM-6:00 AM (otherwise open)
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
2.80 km
The Pool, Central Park
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
3.72 km
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.33 km
View of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
5.41 km
The Ramble, Central Park
Highlight • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.43 km
View of the New York City Skyline from Central Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
5.69 km
View of the Manhattan Skyline from Hernshead
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.13 km
Central Park (west entrance)
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
8.50 km
American Museum of Natural History
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.09 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.28 km
501 m
147 m
112 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.74 km
2.33 km
1.77 km
518 m
439 m
302 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 5 July
27°C
21°C
88 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Pool, Central Park – Central Park (west entrance) loop from 86th Street offers a surprisingly rugged escape within the heart of Manhattan. This moderate 5.7-mile (9.1 km) hiking route features 232 feet (71 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a genuine hiking experience with varied terrain and natural beauty, providing a welcome contrast to the city's urban landscape.
What to expect on The Pool, Central Park – Central Park (west entrance) loop from 86th Street
Your journey begins on the familiar paved paths from the 86th Street west entrance, characteristic of Central Park's main routes. As you head north towards The Pool, the terrain transforms dramatically, becoming significantly more varied and challenging. You'll enter the North Woods and The Ravine, where you'll encounter steep inclines, uneven surfaces, and large rock outcrops. The Pool itself is a tranquil, secluded body of water fed by Montayne's Rivulet, surrounded by water-loving trees and offering excellent birdwatching. Further along, you'll discover The Loch with its picturesque waterfalls and impressive stone arches like Glen Span Arch and the unique mortar-less Huddlestone Arch. This route is a moderate challenge, requiring good fitness due to the varied terrain and some sections with stairs, making it ideal for hikers looking for a "wild" feel in an urban setting.
Planning your visit
Accessing the trail from the 86th Street west entrance is straightforward, with public transport to Central Park West 86th Street readily available. While you're still in Central Park, the North Woods can feel quite remote, so it's wise to be prepared for a proper hike. Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit for the vibrant foliage, but the trail offers a peaceful escape year-round. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for varied terrain, including unpaved sections and potential stairs.
Trail details
- Distance: 5.7 miles (9.1 km)
- Elevation gain: 232 feet (71 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 22 minutes
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