Take a break from the busy streets of the city and enjoy the fall colors of Central Park. Here is your guide to an unforgettable autumn ride.

Begin at the secluded Nature Sanctuary. Coast past this hidden gem where the first fiery reds and deep crimsons of the Tupelo trees reflect in The Pond, giving you a magical sense of leaving the city behind.

From there, hop back on your bike and make your way towards the Promenade. The towering American Elms form a golden tunnel. And the brilliant yellow canopy covers the entire avenue.

Next, ride into the heart of the park’s untamed Wild Garden. Here, the path winds around into a maze of rustic trails and hidden streams. You’ll find yourself in the middle of a kaleidoscope of colors, with Oaks, Maples, and Sweetgums providing a rich tapestry of deep russets, oranges, and startling purples – a true forest escape.

Continuing north, you’ll meet the monumental reservoir. The broad views showcase the season’s beauty, with gold and bronze from the cherry trees shimmering in the water, framed by the dramatic skyline.

Just past the reservoir, the trail opens to the expansive North Meadow. The contrast of the vast, golden-edged lawn bordered by Maples and Hickories put on a dazzling display of brilliant oranges and golds.

A quick westward turn brings you to the tranquility of the pool. This serene stop is where the water is often perfectly still, mirroring the stunning scarlets and yellow-bronzes of the surrounding Red Maples and Bald Cypress trees.

Bike from the pool to the garden. Ride through the big gate into a world where fall looks crisp and clean, with the structured paths highlighted by the reddish-orange crabapples and late-blooming colors.

Finally, pedal deep into the woods, the park’s northernmost forest. Here, it feels like a true wilderness hike, with rustic bridges and winding trails under a dense, overhead covering of deep crimsons, golds, and browns from the Red Oaks and Black Cherries. You’ll leave your ride feeling completely refreshed, catching the park’s wild heart of autumn.