Great Hill

The Great Hill is the third-highest natural point in Central Park and one of the north end’s most beautiful landscapes.

At the top of the hill is a large open meadow surrounded by trees—a popular area for picnicking, relaxing, and playing casual lawn games. Several small glades located to the west of the main lawn area provide more intimate spaces for resting and gathering and are linked by paths overlooking Central Park West. In the winter, the views open to the surrounding Park and the City in the distance.

Like other high points in the north end of the Park, this spot was a place of strategic importance during the Revolutionary War. It served as the site of a British encampment for troops that were also active at the nearby highpoints now known as Fort Clinton and Nutter’s Battery. Like other high points in the Park, such as Summit Rock and Cherry Hill, this area was originally designed as a carriage concourse for riders to rest and enjoy the expansive views. (At the time, this included the Hudson River and the Palisades.)

Beginning in the 1930s, the Great Hill was transformed with the addition of game courts, numerous new paths, and a public restroom. Over time, the meadows and small glades became overgrown, becoming a dense and mostly weedy woodland.

Since 1985, the Conservancy has worked to restore the area’s naturalistic character. In 2009, a major storm passed through the area, causing the loss of more than 100 trees in and around the Great Hill. Although the destruction was devastating, it did create some new open areas in this landscape that are consistent with the area’s original design.

Things you can do here

  • Activities

    Running Guide

    Runners new and seasoned alike enjoy a variety of loops and trails in Central Park.

    Tags: Health & Fitness

  • Events

    Great Jazz on the Great Hill

    In partnership with Jazzmobile, the Central Park Conservancy is thrilled to welcome back Great Jazz on the Great Hill! Enjoy an amazing lineup of world-renowned jazz performers while lounging or swing dancing in the Park. All ages are welcome.

    Tags: Staff Picks / Kids and Families

  • Self-Guided Tours

    Wandering in the North Woods

    Discover the peaceful, wild woodland that’s little-known to most visitors.

    Tags: Art & Architecture / Plants and Trees

  • Self-Guided Tours

    Upper West Side Tree Walk

    Spot dozens of species of trees and learn something new while enjoying a peaceful walk.

    Tags: Tree Walk / Plants and Trees

  • Guides

    Picnic Guide

    Central Park is home to lawns, benches, and picnic tables across its 843 acres, providing countless great picnic spots.

    Tags: Kids and Families / Wildlife

  • Guides

    A Guide to the Perfect Central Park Date

    New Yorkers and visitors alike often regard Central Park as one of the City’s most romantic destinations. We’ve put together a guide to the Park’s most magical places to bring your beloved.

    • Also in the area

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  • Things to See and Do

    Central Park’s Most Instagrammable Wintertime Spots, Part II

    With fewer crowds and a tranquility not found in other seasons, winter is an ideal time to photograph Central Park. Brave the cold and visit the Park this season—no filter needed.

    Tags: Tips for Visiting / Winter / Highlights

  • Q&As

    5 Questions with Mary Wittenberg, 10-Year Race Director of the TCS NYC Marathon

    Mary Wittenberg, former President and Chief Executive Officer of New York Road Runners, shares her favorite running routes in the Park, NYC Marathon memories, and more.

  • Q&As

    5 Questions with Vanthon Keo, Manager of Parkwide Support, on the 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy

    For almost 30 years, Vanthon has been a member of the Conservancy’s staff, and he has seen first-hand how extreme weather events have impacted Central Park’s landscapes. On the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Sandy’s landfall in NYC, he looks back on this experience—and thinks about what it means for the Park’s future.

    Tags: Conservancy Staff / About the Conservancy / Institute for Urban Parks / Park Experts

  • Restoration and Maintenance

    Hand-in-Hand with Harlem: The Conservancy's Four-Decade Restoration of Central Park's North End

    In the 1980s, the Conservancy turned its attention to the Harlem Meer and went on to address the needs of Central Park’s north end over the next four decades. Throughout all of this work, the communities surrounding the Park have been vital partners in the care and maintenance of their backyard.

    Tags: Conservancy Staff / Playgrounds