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The blazing colors of fall in the northeast don’t escape New York City thanks to Central Park. Its many diverse trees change an equally wide variety of colors during the autumn months. Fall doesn’t last long, so make an afternoon of it to enjoy all the different hues of the season in Central Park.

Here we’ve picked the best spots in the park for you to get your fall colors in. Pro-tip: Make your way through the park around sunset for fiery autumn tones.

Gapstow Bridge

The iconic bridge offers the best views of Manhattan, and in the fall months, changing foliage. Take in the yellow sawtooth oaks, red tupelo trees, golden gray birch and orange black cherry trees in all their glory. We suspect you’ll snap some good photos from this spot. The Gapstow Bridge is located in the southern part of the park between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in the area known as “The Pond,” near the zoo. See map.

Shakespeare Garden

Not far from the Belvedere Castle, the Shakespeare Garden is a well-cared for area tucked away off the 79th Street Transverse. Its winding paths and wooden benches set along fall colors and fallen leaves may be just the escape you’re looking for.

Bow Bridge

This is a fall foliage favorite and perhaps one of the most photographed areas in all of Central Park. The pedestrian bridge, built in 1862, overlooks The Lake and has been featured in Woody Allen’s Manhattan, Uptown Girls, Spider Man 3, and dozens more. On a calm day fall colors will reflect on the water in dizzying variations. Find Bow Bridge in Central Park here.

Elms at The Mall

American elms at mid-park turn a beautiful yellow during autumn months. This pedestrian esplanade is lined with with these vibrant trees, which create a blonde canopy that illuminates with the sun. See map.

Interested in a fall foliage tour of Central Park? Learn about the park’s history and trees with a seasonal tour. See options here.

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