Field guide
Central Park running loops and official park facts
Find official information for Central Park running. Learn about the 6.1-mile paved loop and the 1.58-mile soft surface track for your next run.
Central Park offers several established routes for running and walking. The options include long paved loops and a shorter track with a soft surface.
This guide provides details on the main running loops, park rules, and available facilities. All information is based on official park sources.
Official facts at a glance
- Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track location
- Mid-Park between 86th and 96th
- Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track loop length
- 1.58-mile
- Longest loop in the Park (Paved Drives)
- 6.1 miles
- Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track surface
- Soft surface made of crushed gravel
- Park Drives surface
- Paved
- Park restroom hours
- Many open from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm
- Group running permit
- Permit required for groups of more than 20 runners
- Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track restrooms
- No restrooms
- Park restrooms availability
- 20 restrooms throughout the Park
- Park water fountains
- Dozens of water fountains, seven stay on year-round
- Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track dog rules
- Not allowed
- Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track bike rules
- Not allowed
- Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track direction
- One-way, counterclockwise
- Park Drives lane for runners/walkers
- Dedicated lane on the Drives, all the way to the left side.
Sources: Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track (centralparknyc.org), Running Guide (centralparknyc.org). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The main running loops
The longest continuous route in the park is the 6.1-mile loop on the paved Park Drives. This surface is shared with other users, including cyclists.
For a different experience, the Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track is a 1.58-mile loop with a soft surface of crushed gravel. It is located in Mid-Park between 86th and 96th.
Rules for routes and groups
On the Park Drives, runners and walkers have a dedicated lane on the far left side of the road.
The Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track has specific rules. It is a one-way, counterclockwise loop. Bicycles and dogs are not permitted on the track. Any group of more than 20 runners needs a permit to use the park.
Restrooms and water fountains
There are 20 restrooms located throughout the park. Many are open from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm, but it is always good to confirm hours. There are no restrooms located at the Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track.
Dozens of water fountains are available for use. Seven of these fountains remain operational year-round.
Before you go
- The Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track is a 1.58-mile, one-way loop.
- Bikes and dogs are not allowed on the Stephanie and Fred Shuman Running Track.
- On the paved Park Drives, use the dedicated lane for runners on the far left.
- Restroom hours can vary, with many open from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm.
- A permit is required for running groups larger than 20 people.
Nearby options: running and active spots in New York City. All cities: City running and hiking guides.