Ethereal Photographs of Central Park Before Sunrise

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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!