Unwind Among the Trees: Transformative Woodland Tours in Central Park

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There are proven mental health benefits to spending time in nature. Some people call this practice “forest bathing,” which is a science-backed mindfulness exercise to reduce stress by spending time outdoors and taking special notice of the world’s natural elements. Many New Yorkers may find that it’s hard to do so when living in an urban environment, but luckily, there’s always Central Park.

Forest bathers in Central Park might take time to walk slowly through the Park’s dense woodlands, noticing the sounds of birds and gently babbling streams. They might pause for a moment to feel the sunshine breaking through the trees and warming their skin, and the soft earth underfoot as they walk some of the Park’s quieter trails. They might inhale the smell of the trees and freshly cut lawns nearby while they notice the native wildflowers pushing up into the world.

If you’re looking to reconnect with nature and tend to your mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month, consider grabbing a spot on one of the Central Park Conservancy’s three woodland walk tours: The Ramble Tour, The Bridge and Pond Tour, or The North Woods Tour. These tours are all led by experts from the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit responsible for all aspects of the Park’s care.

The Ramble Tour takes participants through the serene woodlands and quiet streams located in the middle of Central Park. The winding trails and lush greenery make it easy to feel immersed in the natural landscape away from the hustle and bustle of the streets. Guides will share information about the biodiversity and history of the Ramble, which was designed to evoke the forests of upstate New York. The 90-minute tour includes stops at Oak Bridge, Azalea Pond, Bow Bridge, and the Lake. Attendees should be prepared to walk just under a mile. Upcoming tours take place on May 30, June 2, and June 30 at 11:00 am or 2:00 pm, depending on the date. Ramble Tour tickets can be purchased at the tour website.

Another foliage-filled tour that the Central Park Conservancy is offering this season is the Bridge and Pond Tour. Visitors will have the chance to explore this iconic southern corner of the Park, which was closed to the public for nearly a century. Expert guides will point out iconic landmarks like Gapstow Bridge and the Pond, along with meditation spots and native plants. The 90-minute tour will take attendees on a 0.8-mile route. Upcoming tours occur on May 23, June 9, and June 22 at either 11:00 am or 2:00 pm, depending on the date. Bridge and Pond tour tickets can be purchased at the tour website.

For visitors looking to explore a less-trafficked part of the Park, the North Woods Tour offers a particularly peaceful experience. Participants can enjoy a stress-relieving nature walk through the Park’s largest woodlands, where expert guides will help them discover gorgeous waterfalls, rustic bridges, and thriving natural landscapes. This 90-minute tour follows a 0.85-mile route. Upcoming tours take place on June 1 at 2:00 pm and June 29 at 11:00 am. North Woods tour tickets can be purchased at the tour website.

Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware that all three tours involve inclines, stairs, and uneven trails. People who are unable to safely participate in the aforementioned tours should instead consider the Central Park Conservancy’s Heart of the Park Tour, which is ADA-accessible and runs daily at 2:00 pm.

The Central Park Conservancy’s tours are the only ones in New York City that directly support Central Park and are guided by the people who care for it. Tickets for each individual tour are $33, though discounted tickets are available for Central Park Conservancy members, seniors, students, active military or veteran visitors, and visitors with disabilities. Tickets are free for children under 12 and care partners for disabled visitors.

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