Central Park is the best place to experience the distinct and dramatic seasons in New York. The city is extreme in every way, and the seasons are no exception. Unlike some cities which only really has summer and a mild winter, with soft transitions in between, or mild weather year-round, New York’s four seasons are all dialled up to 100. So far, Autumn (aka Fall!) is easily my favourite season in the city, and especially in Central Park. The golden autumnal foliage might not be as uniformly orange as Instagram photographers would leave you to believe, but it’s beautiful and special all the same.
These photos were taken across two visits to Central Park, one with my boyfriend and another time with my family when they were visiting. Central Park is beautiful year-round, but I think Autumn is the season it’s truly built for.
I acknowledge the Wappinger and Lenape people as the First Nations owners of the lands now recognised as New York City. I pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. I recognise that these lands have always been places of great natural beauty, culture and community.
My favourite spots to admire autumn in Central Park is around the Central Park Lake, the Bethesda Fountain, the Bow Bridge and the Mall. I was planning to photograph The Bow Bridge more on my second visit, but unfortunately it was closed off due to the upcoming New York Marathon which was in a few days’ time. The leaves on the American Elms in The Mall don’t turn truly orange, but instead the usually bright green leaves turn into bright yellow, which is just as pretty.
One part I missed, which I wanted to get to, is The Reservoir! It looked so beautiful when it was fringed by bubblegum pink cherry blossoms in spring, that I was very keen to revisit it for autumn, but I’m not sure if I’ll be back in New York in time to catch the last of fall this year.
In Photos is a series of photo-based blog posts that are designed purely for the love of photography. I’ll be writing a more practical Central Park guide soon, but in the mean time if you’re looking for more specific advice, check out my New York City Travel Guide.
Where is your favourite place to see autumn foliage?
The fall colors there are stunning. It seems like everyone is trying to take advantage of the park before winter.
Thank you Jeff! It was quite busy, I think it is at its most beautiful in autumn – definitely not quite the same now, but I am looking forward to seeing it covered in snow 🙂