
Cedar Hill
A beloved hill in Central Park, famous for winter sledding and serene picnic spots with expansive lawns and natural rock seating.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime sledding conditions

Cedar Hill
Best Time
Prime sledding conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved hill in Central Park, famous for winter sledding and serene picnic spots with expansive lawns and natural rock seating.
"The ultimate winter playground for sledding enthusiasts and a peaceful escape for picnics."

🎯 Sledding Hotspot
Cedar Hill is the go-to for sledding in Central Park, especially on the east side near 79th St.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring a blanket and snacks for a relaxing picnic on the spacious lawns. Rocks offer natural seating.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sledding Hill
Central Park (near 79th St & 5th Ave)
The ultimate winter playground for sledding enthusiasts of all ages. Experience the thrill of gliding down this iconic slope.

Picnic and Relaxation Spot
Central Park Lawn
Spacious green lawns dotted with natural rocks, perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and leisurely strolls.

Scenic Overlook
Top of the hill
Enjoy elevated views of Central Park and the surrounding cityscape from this vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Snow Day Fun
Picnic Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sledding Hotspot
Cedar Hill is the go-to for sledding in Central Park, especially on the east side near 79th St.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring a blanket and snacks for a relaxing picnic on the spacious lawns. Rocks offer natural seating.
☀️ Sunbathing Haven
Find a comfortable rock or grassy spot to enjoy the sun and unwind.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Space
A great open area for walking dogs, flying kites, or even using drones.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sledding Hotspot
Cedar Hill is the go-to for sledding in Central Park, especially on the east side near 79th St.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring a blanket and snacks for a relaxing picnic on the spacious lawns. Rocks offer natural seating.
☀️ Sunbathing Haven
Find a comfortable rock or grassy spot to enjoy the sun and unwind.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Space
A great open area for walking dogs, flying kites, or even using drones.
♻️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
Help keep Cedar Hill beautiful by taking all your trash with you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cedar Hill is cherished for its winter sledding opportunities and its peaceful, spacious lawns ideal for picnics and relaxation. Visitors appreciate the elevated views and the quieter atmosphere compared to other parts of Central Park. However, some note that litter can be an issue, detracting from the natural beauty.
"Small hill within Central Park overlooking 79th St area.
Featured in a scene in the 1987 film '34 Charing Cross road'."
J-Rocks!
"Is the one of the wonderful place for picnic at the Central Park.
Here you have on a higher ground so that you can have a good view to watch other people playing around
it is so enjoyable to having some sun bathing there so many Rock naturally scattered on the grassland , so find one and just relax to lie yourself on the rock and have your picnic food if you feel tired just have a nap."
JOY YAU
"A lovely spot for a picnic/relax with friends and family in the park. A little quieter than others parts of the park, lots of space."
Mike Jennings
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cedar Hill is located in Central Park, accessible from the east side near 79th Street and Fifth Avenue. The closest subway lines are the 6 train to 77th Street or 86th Street.
Yes, Cedar Hill is a prominent hill on the east side of Central Park, often visible from the surrounding streets. It's a well-known spot, especially during snowy weather.
While you can drive to the vicinity of Central Park, parking can be challenging and expensive. Public transportation or walking is generally recommended.
The closest subway stations are 77th Street (6 train) and 86th Street (4, 5, 6 trains). From there, it's a short walk into the park.
The main paths around Cedar Hill are generally accessible, but the grassy slopes themselves may be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs, especially after rain or snow.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cedar Hill is a public space within Central Park and does not require an entrance ticket. It's free to access and enjoy.
Cedar Hill is part of Central Park, which is open daily from 6 AM to 1 AM. However, access to certain areas might be restricted during specific events or maintenance.
Sledding at Cedar Hill is free. You only need to bring your own sled.
There are no reservations needed for picnicking at Cedar Hill. It's a first-come, first-served open space.
While drones are generally allowed in Central Park, it's always best to check the latest NYC Parks Department regulations for any specific restrictions or permit requirements.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cedar Hill is popular for sledding in winter, picnicking, sunbathing, playing frisbee, walking dogs, and enjoying the open green space.
Cedar Hill can get very crowded on snowy days, especially on weekends. During other times, it's generally less crowded than other parts of Central Park.
Public restrooms are available within Central Park, though their exact proximity to Cedar Hill can vary. It's advisable to check a park map upon arrival.
You can enjoy elevated views of Central Park's landscapes and some of the surrounding New York City skyline.
Yes, Cedar Hill offers scenic views and open spaces that are great for photography, especially during golden hour or with snow-covered landscapes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't permanent food vendors directly at Cedar Hill, you can often find food carts selling snacks and drinks along the park's perimeter or nearby streets.
Absolutely! Cedar Hill is a fantastic spot for picnics, so bringing your own food and beverages is highly encouraged.
The Upper East Side, bordering Central Park near Cedar Hill, offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and delis. You can find everything from casual bites to more upscale dining.
Alcohol consumption in New York City parks is generally permitted between 8 AM and 10 PM, but it's always wise to be discreet and responsible.
Cedar Hill primarily features open lawns and natural rocks for seating. While there aren't dedicated picnic tables, the open space is ideal for spreading out blankets.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Snowy days provide a unique, picturesque winter scene.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the park, candid moments of people enjoying the space, and scenic views of the cityscape from the elevated vantage point.
Depending on your exact position, you might catch glimpses of the surrounding Upper East Side architecture and parts of the Central Park landscape.
On busy days, especially during snow, it can be challenging to get unobstructed shots. Visiting during off-peak hours or being patient can help.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the park. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Winter Wonderland: Sledding at Cedar Hill
While the sledding is free, the experience can be enhanced by being mindful of others and the park's condition. Some reviews mention that broken sleds and debris can sometimes be left behind, so practicing 'leave no trace' principles is appreciated. Despite this, the joy of sledding down Cedar Hill remains a quintessential New York City winter experience.
A Serene Escape: Picnics and Relaxation
The natural rock formations offer unique and comfortable seating, allowing visitors to lounge and soak in the surroundings. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to read, sunbathe, or enjoy a leisurely lunch, Cedar Hill provides a welcoming environment. It's also a great open space for activities like flying a kite or walking a dog, making it a versatile destination for various leisure pursuits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit