You’ve seen it. Even if you haven't actually stepped foot on the grass, you've seen it in every rom-com montage ever filmed in Manhattan. Cherry Hill Central Park New York is that sweeping, elevated slope that looks out over the Lake, offering a view of the San Remo’s twin towers that honestly feels like a postcard come to life.
It’s iconic. It's crowded on Saturdays. And most people have no idea it was originally designed for horses.
Back in the 1860s, Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted weren't thinking about influencers or picnic blankets. They were thinking about carriage traffic. The whole "hill" was essentially a 19th-century parking lot—a grand turnaround where wealthy New Yorkers could pause their horse-drawn carriages, let the animals drink from the fountain, and soak in the scenery without getting in anyone's way.
Today, the horses are mostly gone (except for the occasional NYPD patrol or tourist carriage), but the vibe remains surprisingly regal. If you’re looking for that specific "New York" feeling, this is where you find it.
The Fountain That Everyone Mistakes for Something Else
Right in the center of the plaza sits the Cherry Hill Fountain. People often walk right past it on their way to Bethesda Terrace, or they glance at it and assume it's just a smaller version of the more famous Angel of the Waters.
It’s not.
The Cherry Hill Fountain was designed specifically as a watering trough. Jacob Wrey Mould, the architect who put a lot of the "flair" into Central Park’s structures, designed it with a granite basins and Minton tile accents. It was functional. It was for the horses.
There's something kinda poetic about the fact that a spot designed for literal beasts of burden has become one of the most romantic engagement spots in the city. The fountain was actually restored fairly recently—back in the late 90s—because it had fallen into a pretty sad state of disrepair. Now, it splashes away, topped with a brass finial that catches the light just right during the "golden hour."
Honestly, if you want the best photos of the Lake, don't stand at the fountain. Walk twenty feet toward the water. The elevation of the hill gives you a vantage point that you just don't get from the lower pathways. You see the Bow Bridge from the side, the rowboats drifting by, and the skyline of the Upper West Side mirrored in the water. It’s a lot.
Why the Cherries Actually Matter
You’d think a place called Cherry Hill would be overflowing with cherry blossoms. Well, it is, but only for about two weeks a year.
The hill is named for the Yoshino cherry trees that wrap around the slope. They usually hit peak bloom in late March or early April, depending on how weird the winter was. When those trees go off, the ground looks like it’s been hit by a pink snowstorm.
- The Yoshino Variety: These are the ones with the pale pink, almost white flowers. They’re delicate.
- The Timing: It’s a gamble. If you miss the window, you’re just looking at very nice green trees.
- The Crowds: During bloom, forget about a quiet moment. It’s a sea of tripods.
But here is a pro tip: most people crowd the trees right by the path. If you walk further down the slope toward the shoreline, the trees are just as beautiful, and you won’t have someone’s elbow in your shot.
Getting There Without Getting Lost
Central Park is designed to make you get lost. Seriously. Olmsted and Vaux hated straight lines. They wanted you to wander and "discover" things, which is great until you’re tired and just want to find the fountain.
Cherry Hill Central Park New York is located mid-park at 72nd Street.
If you’re coming from the West Side, enter at 72nd and Central Park West (right by the Dakota building). Follow the path toward Strawberry Fields. Keep walking east. You’ll pass the Imagine mosaic, and eventually, the path will open up into the Cherry Hill plaza.
If you’re coming from the East Side, you’ll have to cross the Terrace Drive bridge or walk around the Lake. Basically, look for the Bow Bridge and then look up. The hill overlooking the bridge is where you want to be.
The Secret "Quiet" Side of the Hill
Most people treat the top of the hill like a transit hub. They take a photo of the fountain and move on.
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Don't do that.
The actual "hill" part—the grassy slope that runs down to the water—is one of the best spots for a long-form picnic. While the Great Lawn is massive and the Sheep Meadow is for tanning, Cherry Hill is for lounging.
Because the ground is sloped, you’re naturally angled toward the view. You can lie back, crack open a book, and watch the boats. It feels a bit more secluded than the flat plains of the park, even though you’re in the literal heart of Manhattan. It’s a weird paradox. You’re surrounded by thousands of people, but because of the way the trees and the hill are shaped, it feels like your own little private theater box.
What Most People Get Wrong About the View
There’s a common misconception that the big bridge you see from Cherry Hill is the only way across the lake.
Actually, the view from Cherry Hill shows you the "bottleneck" of the Lake. The Bow Bridge is the star of the show, sure, but look further to the left. You’ll see the Ramble, a 36-acre "wild" woodland.
TheRamble was meant to be the opposite of Cherry Hill. Where the hill is open, social, and architectural, the Ramble is dense, confusing, and meant to mimic the Adirondacks. Seeing them both from the vantage point of the hill gives you a real appreciation for the park's engineering. It’s all fake. Every bit of it was moved by hand and shovel to create this "natural" look.
Realities of Visiting in 2026
Look, it’s New York. It’s not always a silent sanctuary.
On a typical afternoon, you’re going to hear a mix of street performers playing "New York, New York" on a saxophone, the distant hum of traffic from the 72nd Street transverse, and probably three different languages being spoken by tour groups.
The park has seen a massive uptick in visitors over the last couple of years. Maintenance is a constant battle. If you visit, stay on the marked paths when the grass is "resting" (you’ll see the little signs). The Central Park Conservancy works incredibly hard to keep the Yoshino cherries healthy, and trampled roots are their biggest enemy.
Things to Do Nearby
- Strawberry Fields: Just a five-minute walk west. It’s the John Lennon memorial. Usually has a guy playing Beatles songs.
- The Lake: Rent a boat. It’s expensive and you’ll probably be bad at rowing, but it’s a rite of passage.
- Bethesda Terrace: Walk down the stairs from Cherry Hill. The acoustics under the bridge are world-class.
- The Wagner Cove: A tiny, rustic boat landing just down the hill. It’s one of the quietest spots in the whole park.
Actionable Strategy for Your Visit
If you want to experience Cherry Hill Central Park New York like a local rather than a tourist, follow this specific plan.
First, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. The light hits the San Remo towers from the east, making them glow against the blue sky. Most of the crowds are at work, so you’ll actually have space to sit.
Second, bring a blanket with a waterproof bottom. The grass on the hill stays damp long after it rains because of the way the water drains toward the lake. There is nothing worse than "park butt"—that cold, wet patch on your jeans that stays with you all day.
Third, skip the food carts right at the entrance. They’re overpriced. Instead, grab a bagel or a sandwich from a deli on 72nd and Columbus before you enter the park. Walk in, find your spot on the slope, and eat while watching the rowboats.
Lastly, walk the full perimeter. Don't just stay by the fountain. Follow the path that curves down toward the Bow Bridge. There are small stone outcroppings there where you can sit right at the water’s edge. It’s the best place to see the turtles that live in the Lake.
Cherry Hill isn't just a destination; it’s a pivot point. It connects the manicured beauty of the Mall and Bethesda Terrace with the wilder, rugged paths of the West Side. Whether the cherries are blooming or the trees are bare in the dead of winter, the architecture of the land itself is what makes it work. It was built for a different era, for a different pace of life, and somehow, it still manages to make 21st-century New York feel a little bit slower.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Central Park Conservancy "Bloom Map" online before you go.
- Enter via the 72nd Street "Women's Gate" for the most direct route.
- Locate the "Hearth and Home" markers if you're interested in the deeper architectural history of the nearby structures.