Description
The High Line is a public park on Manhattan's West Side that runs from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenue. It is 1.8 miles (3 km) long and is home to over 500 species of plants and trees.
What's so special about this park is its elevation of 30 feet (9 m) above street level, which is a result of its history as an abandoned freight train line. There are 11 entrances to the park. The historic train tracks that were mostly left in place, the modern horticulture, and lots of art projects and sculptures define the park's appearance. The many lookout points provide a great view of Hudson River, Hudson Yards and even Empire State Building, especially impressive during sunset. Its numerous bences invite tourists and locals alike to enjoy the greenway in the middle of the city.
Historical Information
High Line was originally built in 1934 as a freight train line elevated above the streets. In 1960, one section was already starting to decay due to low use. In 1980, all trains running on High Line were stopped. In 1999, after the demolition of the train line was already set, Joshua David and Robert Hammond founded the non-profit-organisation Friends of the High Line and made it their goal to preserve and reuse the line as a public space.
Construction started in 2006, and in 2009 the first section of High Line Park was opened, with another two sections following in 2011 and 2014. The High Line is maintained and operated by Friends of the High Line and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.
How to get there
On public transport
The subway lines L, A, C, E, 1, 2, 3 & 7 and the bus lines M11, M14, M23 & M34 stop at stations close to the High Line.
By car
There are a few parking lots within close distance, e.g. 127 10th Avenue, 161 10th Avenue and 507 West 21st Street.
Bike racks are located near most of the High Line's entrances, however, bikes are not allowed on the High Line itself.