The High Line is an impressive linear urban park which uses a former New York overhead railway line. There are regular access stairways to get you up there, but once you’re walking on the path, you never want to come back down! It’s a complete escape from the busy streets below.
What we really loved about this walkway is how many of the original features have been retained. Much of the path has the old railway lines still in place. These have then been planted around or have stone fitted around them to create a smooth walkway. At one point there are even wooden loungers sitting on a rail which you can move around to keep you in the sun!
The High Line route is a sort of Y shape and is one and half miles long in total (2.3 km). It stretches from Gansvoort Street up to 34th street where it is linked with the Hudson Yards development. Make sure you walk both arms of the Y – one heads off towards the river and the other towards central Manhattan.
Along the journey you’ll see many of the sights of this part of Manhattan. You’ll also be amazed how quickly you move. On the streets below, you have to keep stopping for crossing lights, but up on the High Line, there is nothing to stop you unless you want to relax on a bench. The planting on the route is really attractive. The idea is that it resembles how the old railway line became overgrown once it had stopped being used. The last train to run up here was in the 1980s.
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. Cycles and scooters are banned on the High Line so it also feels like a safe space to be walking in. 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
MORE ON THE HIGH LINE
The High Line – Official Website
The High Line – Wikipedia
More Things To See In New York – From our sister-site, Free-City-Guides.com