The Mall Carriage Tours — Central Park Literary Walk

What Should You Know About The Mall & Literary Walk?

The Mall is the only intentional straight line in Central Park's otherwise meandering design — a grand, 40-foot-wide pedestrian promenade lined with the largest stand of American elm trees in North America. Built in the 1860s as the formal "promenade" of the park, The Mall was designed as a place to see and be seen, where Victorian-era New Yorkers in their finest attire would stroll, gossip, and admire each other. Today, the elms create a magnificent cathedral-like canopy overhead — especially breathtaking in summer when sunlight filters through the green leaves, or in autumn when the canopy turns gold and rust. The southern half of The Mall is known as Literary Walk, lined with bronze statues of writers including Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Fitz-Greene Halleck, and Christopher Columbus. At the north end of The Mall sits Bethesda Terrace, and beyond it the iconic Naumburg Bandshell where free concerts have been held for over a century. A carriage ride past The Mall is a journey through 160 years of New York cultural history.

What Is the Best Season for a Carriage Ride from The Mall & Literary Walk?

Spring (April–May): pink cherry blossoms frame the entrance to The Mall. Summer: cool green canopy provides shade and respite from city heat. Fall: spectacular golden canopy (one of NYC's top fall foliage spots). Winter: bare branches form a Gothic architectural arch above the path.

Tips for Visitors

The light through The Mall's elm canopy in late afternoon is otherworldly — book around 4–5 PM in summer for the best lighting. Fall foliage peaks the third week of October. Free concerts and performances often take place at the Naumburg Bandshell on summer weekends. Movie buffs may recognize The Mall from When Harry Met Sally, Maid in Manhattan, and Big Daddy.