After the last freight train rumbled down 10th Avenue in 1980, the railroad was abandoned and an overgrown garden sprouted up around its rusted tracks. Today, the High Line has been repurposed into a public park, 1.5 miles long and elevated 30 feet above street level in the heart of the Meatpacking District in New York City. Now on view along with those rusty rail tracks is a lush urban garden, iconic skyline views, and frequent art installations lining the walking path.
Parking and public transportation at the High Line
The 1,2,3, A,C, E, and L subways all make stops along the various entrances to the park. The High Line is located farther west than any subway line, so some walking will be required no matter which subway you take. For drivers, there is a handful of fee parking available nearby.
Best and worst time to go to the High Line
With its panoramic city views and variety of pleasant seating options, sunny days were made for the High Line. A truly enjoyable stroll is more possible on less crowded weekdays, or weekend mornings. The walking path gets quite narrow in spots, so the large weekend crowds sometimes lead to pedestrian traffic jams.
Admission to the High Line
Admission is free. A variety of seasonal walking tours and events along the High Line are also free.
Must see/do at the High Line
Stake out a seat at Tenth Avenue Square (at 17th Street) for a wide-angle street view of New York's dizzying traffic speeding by beneath you. On a clear day, the Statue of Liberty is also visible from here out in the harbor. Around sundown, head to 30th Street. The walking path veers west and has a perfect view of the sun dipping down over the Hudson River, streaking the sky with color.
Other places to visit near the High Line
The Whitney Museum of American Art opened a light-filled space at the southern base of the High Line in May 2015. Chelsea Market's indoor food hall is perfect for grabbing something on the go and taking it up to the High Line for a picturesque picnic. Fancy cocktails and unparalleled views can be found at The Top of the Standard.
Insider tip for visitors to the High Line
The northernmost section of the High Line is low on amenities; restrooms and food are mostly available at the southern end. The 34th Street exit drops visitors into a relatively barren part of town. If you're planning on having lunch or dinner at the end of your stroll, enter at the northern end and make your way downtown.
Michele DeBella is a freelance writer based in New York City, and thinks the High Line is one of the city's most delightful green spaces. Follow her on Twitter.