Hallett Nature Sanctuary

Hallett Nature Sanctuary

Mahrokh & Iradj Sakhai Sanctuary

When Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed New York Central Park in 1858, they left relatively untouched the rocky Promontory on the north edge of the swamp they transformed into the Pond. The four-acre woodland was formally designated a bird sanctuary and closed to the public in 1934. It was renamed the Hallett Nature Sanctuary in 1986 after George Harey Hallett, Jr. (1896-1985), a prominent leader in New York City’s civic movement, and an ardent nature lover and bird watcher.

All the pictures of the sanctuary have been taken by Elena.

No more than 20 visitors may enter at a time.

Visitors must stay on the trails at all times.

Dogs, bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades are not permitted.

There are no trash cans in Hallett Sanctuary. 

Please carry out what you carry in.

Entry hours are weather-permitting and subject to change due to maintenance.

Visit centralparknyc.org for up-to-date information about Hallett Nature Sanctuary.

Welcome to Hallett Open Hours: This ecosystem is a protected area and home to many flora and fauna, Central park’s woodlands, comprised of Hallet, the Ramble and North Woods, are prime-bird-watching locations.

As you enjoy your self-guided tour, please remember: Help Central Park Conservancy protect the plants by staying on the path. 

   Dogs, bicycles or strollers are not allowed. 

Please remember: Carry out what you carry in.

Managing public access to this unique landscape enables the Central Park authorities to foster a more diverse community of native plants than elsewhere in the park, enriching habitat complexity to support a broader diversity of wildlife.

Since 2003 as part of a program of the Central Park Conservancy, students have participated in landscape restoration projects and the creation of woodchip trails in Hallett, opening the landscape on occasion for special guided tours.

In connection with more recent work by the Conservancy as part of the parkwide woodlands restoration effort, Hallett is now open to the public during scheduled hours.

Come back soon to enjoy the Hallette Nature Sanctuary!