Until the 1980s, the High Line was an overhead freight railway line serving midtown Manhattan. As the train services dwindled, the ideas of repurposing it grew, but there was a constant fight to avoid its demolition. Finally, in 2009 the first section of the route was opened as a public park to the people of New York. Further sections opened in the following years and now the walkway covers around 1.45 miles (2.3km). There’s a main section from Hudson Yards (pictured above) down to Gansevoort Street and a spur to W 31st Street (pictured below). We’d recommend seeing it all as the various sections have their own feel and artworks.
The design of the park is one of the the things that makes it so special. In many areas the original railway lines have been used as a feature. Near Hudson Yards, you can walk along sections of the lines and in other areas, the planting sits in between them. This is inspired by the wild greenery that took over the line after trains stopped using it. There are some small features which make a big difference. For instance, near Chelsea Market there are wooden sun loungers which you can move along the tracks beneath! It really has been very well thought out.
What we loved about the High Line was the relaxed feeling. Walking through greenery is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below. The elevated position gives tremendous views of the buildings that make up the character of central Manhattan. Also, with no need to stop at every street, you can actually travel much faster than using the sidewalks below. Cycles and scooters are banned on the High Line so it also feels like a safe space to be walking in.
The High Line has entrances every few streets, so if you want to descend and look around it’s easy to do so, before climbing the stairs back the line again. The High Line is open daily from 7am to 10pm. It’s patrolled by security officers who are the only ones allowed to use cycles.
LOCATION & CONTACT
The High Line is owned by the City of New York and operated by a friends group.
Address: Friends of The High Line, 820 Washington Street, New York, USA
Tel: 01 212 500 6035
Email: info@thehighline.org
MORE ON THE HIGH LINE
The High Line – Official Website
The High Line – Wikipedia