At Untapped Cities, we show you the unique “untapped” places that are off-the-beaten path. But we also like to show you new ways to look at well-known places, like last week’s post on Prospect Park’s Lookout Hill which has a view of Coney Island. Today, we look at Central Park before sunrise.The first surprising thing about Central Park at that hour is how it can be at once blissfully quiet, yet full of life. Runners, bikers, and dog owners populate the main trails, while birdwatchers and fellow photographers dot the more remote areas. Ice-skaters not surprisingly begin their day early as well.

The park opens at 6 am, and at this time of year, sunrise is around 6:45 am (check actual sunrise times before heading out). The actual sunrise is not often visible from inside the park, as the skysrapers block the horizon from most vantage points. Nonetheless, this does not detract from the experience. Especially on foggy days, the early morning light makes it absolutely magical.

Here are some photos from my recent expeditions, mostly in the South East quarter of the park. I hope that you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed making them!

Ducks near Gapstow Bridge one early, foggy morning.
Ducks near Gapstow Bridge one early, foggy morning.

Buildings across the street from inside the south east corner of the park.
Buildings across the street from inside the south east corner of the park.
A popular place for runners, The Reservoir looks stunning in the fog.
A popular place for runners, The Reservoir looks stunning in the fog.
The Mall, one of the most trafficked areas of the park, belongs to the dogs and their humans at this hour.
The Mall, one of the most trafficked areas of the park, belongs to the dogs and their humans at this hour.
Under Bethesda Terrace, a peaceful space.
Under Bethesda Terrace, a peaceful space.
The iconic Bow Bridge on a crisp, cloudy winter morning.
The iconic Bow Bridge on a crisp, cloudy winter morning.
American Elm trees on the morning of a particularly colorful sunrise.
American Elm trees on the morning of a particularly colorful sunrise.
Finally a glimpse of the sun! Taken 45 minutes after sunrise, from around 72nd street in the middle of the park.
Finally a glimpse of the sun! Taken 45 minutes after sunrise, from around 72nd street in the middle of the park.
Sunrise over snowy Bethesda Terrace.
Sunrise over snowy Bethesda Terrace.

 See more photography from Rachel Fawn Alban.