Hike the Adirondacks, and never leave Manhattan … in Central Park

I’m a big fan of the Adirondack Mountains. My grandmother had an old hunting lodge that had been converted to a summer home on Lake George and I visited often as a kid. Lake George’s Buck Mountain was the first mountain I climbed as a kid, and I’ve climbed it many times since then.

North Woods, Central Park, New York/ Kimberly Sullivan

So I was thrilled to discover that Central Park’s North Woods was designed by landscape architects Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux to look like the Adirondacks when they created it back in 1857. Central Park opened to the public in 1858.

I often “hike” around this area with my kids, and there are corners where you truly think you could be in the picturesque Adirondack Mountains.

North Woods, Central Park, New York/ Kimberly Sullivan

The North Woods is one of the most secluded and peaceful parts of the Park. Although the Park is much, much safer than it was back when I was growing up, it’s still better not to explore these trails alone.

But when you go around with friends and family, enjoy all the lovely, shady paths that meander around this woodland area.

North Woods, Central Park, New York/ Kimberly Sullivan

There are quiet benches for reading or contemplation, the gurgling sound of water, stairs leading up and trails twisting down.

During hot summer days, it feels blissfully cooler in this mini Adirondack retreat.

North Woods, Central Park, New York/ Kimberly Sullivan
Central Park North Woods / Kimberly Sullivan
Central Park North Woods / Kimberly Sullivan

1 Comment

  1. […] in decided decline in the 1970s and 1980s, but was beautified in the 1990s. It is also close to the spectacular North Woods and the Lasker Pool that serves as a (free) swimming pool in summer and a skating rink in […]

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