The park's design is inspired by the self-seeded landscapes that grew on the abandoned tracks after the trains stopped running.
The High Line contains over 500 species of plants and trees, many of which are native to the area.
It is built on the West Side Line, which was originally constructed to eliminate the 'Death Avenue' hazard caused by street-level trains.
The park's surface is composed of 'peel-up' concrete planks that allow for natural irrigation and plant growth.
Maintenance is primarily funded through a public-private partnership, with the nonprofit Friends of the High Line raising over 95% of the annual budget.
The structure connects directly into the Hudson Yards complex, terminating at the Vessel.
The park features a dedicated 'The Spur' section, which includes a rotating series of large-scale contemporary art commissions.
Several sections of the original railroad tracks were preserved and integrated into the walking paths.
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated 30 feet above Manhattan's West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street near the Javits Center. The elevated structure was originally built in the 1930s to remove dangerous freight trains from the street level. After the last train ran in 1980, the structure was transformed into an urban landscape featuring naturalized plantings, art installations, and performance spaces. It connects diverse neighborhoods including Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. The path is wheelchair accessible with elevators at multiple street-level access points. The park is managed by Friends of the High Line in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
The 10th Avenue Square, where the stairs provide a view of the street traffic below and the urban canyon of buildings.
Enter from the Gansevoort Street entrance and walk north to finish near the restaurants and attractions of Hudson Yards.
Check the official High Line website for the schedule of free public tours or stargazing nights.
Visit during weekdays to avoid the heavy pedestrian congestion typical of weekend afternoons.
Attempting to visit on a sunny weekend afternoon when the narrow paths become extremely overcrowded and difficult to navigate.
The park remains open daily throughout the year, though specific segments may occasionally close for maintenance or event setup.
No bicycles, rollerblades, or skateboards are permitted. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Do not step into the plant beds.
