Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
Reservoir Large Central Park reservoir surrounded by running track
Encircling Central Park’s Upper West Side, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir offers a 1.58‑mile jogging loop, migratory waterfowl and skyline views popular with runners and birders.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is a man-made reservoir in New York City’s Central Park, occupying roughly 106 acres within the park’s northern section. It was renamed for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1994 and serves now as a recreational and ecological feature rather than a primary water supply.
The reservoir is best known for its wide, tree-lined running and walking track that circles the water and measures about 1.58 miles (2.54 km). It is also valued by birdwatchers for migrating waterfowl and urban waterbird sightings and by locals for skyline views of the city.
The water body dates to the 19th century as part of Manhattan’s broader water-supply infrastructure and later became integrated into Central Park’s landscape. It sits between the park’s 86th and 96th Street transverses on the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan.
- Perimeter path: Encircling path measures about 1.58 miles (2.54 km), a very popular running and walking route on Manhattan's Upper West and Upper East Sides.
- Naming and location: Named for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1994 and located within Central Park between 86th and 96th Streets, it is a notable urban birdwatching spot during migration seasons.
How to Get to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir #
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir sits in Central Park between about 85th and 96th Streets. By subway, take the B or C to 96th Street/Central Park West (a short 2-5 minute walk to the reservoir loop) or the 4/5/6 to 86th Street on the east side of the park (about an 8-12 minute walk to the reservoir’s east path). The M86 crosstown bus runs along 86th Street and drops you close to the park. By car it’s only a few miles from Midtown Manhattan (expect around 15-30 minutes depending on traffic); parking in the area is limited, so public transit is usually easiest.
Tips for Visiting Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir #
- Visit at sunrise on a weekday for the best light on the water and much smaller crowds than mid‑day or weekend afternoons; photographers get clean skyline reflections early in the morning.
- Enter near the reservoir's southern end (around the 86th Street level) for the quickest access to the popular running/walking loop and the classic west‑side skyline viewpoints.
- Don't rush the full 1.58‑mile loop - people often stop at one viewpoint and miss the changing vistas around the circuit, including quieter stretches on the northern side where birdlife is easier to spot.
- Avoid peak fitness hours (late afternoon/early evening on weekends) by planning a weekday visit or coming right after sunrise; if you must come during busy times, stand back from the path to photograph the reservoir without runners in frame.
Best Time to Visit Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir #
Best visited in spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the park scenery (blossoms or fall color) is at its best.
Weather & Climate near Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir #
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1217 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (114 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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