Rat Rock (Central Park)

Rat Rock, also known as Umpire Rock, is a large, exposed rock outcrop located in the southern portion of Central Park in New York City, near the Heckscher Playground and the Dairy. Its official name, Umpire Rock, refers to its former function as a vantage point for observing baseball games played in the adjacent ballfields. The more common name, Rat Rock, is believed to derive from the large rat population that historically frequented the area, attracted by food scraps and discarded items.

The rock formation itself is Manhattan schist, a metamorphic rock characteristic of the geology of Manhattan Island. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding park landscape and the midtown skyline.

Rat Rock serves as a popular gathering spot for park visitors, sunbathers, and climbers. Its relatively smooth surface and accessible location make it a favored place for picnics, relaxation, and informal rock climbing (bouldering). The Parks Department has, at times, discouraged intense climbing due to concerns about erosion and safety.

The area around Rat Rock has undergone periodic renovations and improvements as part of Central Park's ongoing maintenance and restoration efforts. Despite these changes, the rock itself remains a prominent and enduring feature of the park, retaining its informal name and serving as a testament to the natural history and urban ecology of the area.