The colorful spectacle of fall foliage never loses its appeal. Year after year, New Yorkers and visitors alike are drawn to Central Park in search of its famed seasonal palette.
We turned to our archives to see how the Park has evolved from one fall to the next. Here are some autumnal selects dating back to the Central Park Conservancy’s founding in the 1980s. These images feature our visitors’ favorite Park locations and stunning architecture, wildlife basking in the beauty of their homes, and aerial views of NYC’s backyard that will take your love of fall to new heights.
Ready to find this year’s fall finery? Sign up for our fall guide to access our arborist-approved fall foliage tracker. We’ll let you know when and where to catch peak foliage in Central Park.
The Mall, 2022
The Lake, 2014
Aerial view, 2009
Bow Bridge, 2008
Harlem Meer, 2008
North Meadow, 2000
The Mall, 1993
The Ramble, 1987
Central Park landscape, 1983
The Ongoing Restoration of Central Park
Over Central Park’s long history, there have been changes made not just to the many natural landscapes but to various historical landmarks, monuments, and other public spaces. With 40 years of expertise, the Central Park Conservancy works tirelessly to preserve the Park’s natural beauty, ensuring that visitors get the best possible experience of accessing and enjoying autumn in the Park.
Suggested Reading
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Plants and Trees
Urban Forest Bathing: Cultivating Calmness in a Chaotic City
“I don’t know if the founders of the Conservancy knew the term ‘forest bathing, but they clearly understood the Park’s potential as a space for wellbeing and rejuvenation—it’s right there in the Conservancy’s mission statement!” Meet the individuals who are introducing forest bathing to the busy New Yorker.
Tags: Park Design / Trees / Nature Lovers
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Plants and Trees
Which Autumn Tree Are You?
Take our autumnal quiz to see which Central Park tree best matches your personality and learn more about the arborists and other experts who contribute to this lively ecosystem.
Tags: Highlights / Staff Picks / All Ages
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About the Conservancy
Hope Springs Eternal: Newly Digitized Images of Spring in Central Park Throughout the Years
Here are some of the most recently digitized images of spring from our archive, which contains visuals dating back to the Central Park Conservancy's founding in 1980.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / Spring / Flowers / Tips for Visiting / History
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About the Conservancy
From the Archives: Celebrating 40 Years of Conservancy and Community
Anniversaries are a natural moment for reflection, and nothing brings back the memories quite like old photographs. Here are several scanned images from our archive, capturing the early work of the Conservancy.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / History
