What the High Line Is and Where It Runs
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long public park built on an abandoned elevated freight railroad in Manhattan. The park runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District north to West 34th Street near Hudson Yards, staying on the West Side of the island. It sits about 30 feet above street level on the original steel structure of the New York Central Railroad's West Side Line, which stopped carrying freight in 1980.
The park opened to the public in three phases between 2009 and 2014. The first section, from Gansevoort to West 20th Street, opened in June 2009. The second section extended it to West 30th Street in 2011. The final section reached West 34th Street in 2014. Today it is operated by Friends of the High Line, a nonprofit organization, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
Walking the High Line feels different from a street-level park because you are literally above the city. You see into the windows of buildings, watch traffic on the streets below, and get views across the Hudson River to New Jersey. The park is free to enter and open year-round during daylight hours, though specific hours vary by season.
Key Takeaways
- The High Line is a 1.45-mile elevated park on a former railroad line that runs from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street on Manhattan's West Side.
- The park opened in three phases between 2009 and 2014 and is operated by Friends of the High Line in partnership with NYC Parks.
- Entry is free, and the park is open year-round during daylight hours, though hours change seasonally.
- The park features native plantings, seating areas, food vendors, and views of the Hudson River and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Dogs are allowed on-leash, and the park is accessible to people using wheelchairs and strollers.
How the Abandoned Railroad Became a Park
The West Side Line was built between 1931 and 1934 to move freight trains through Manhattan without blocking street traffic. Trains carried meat, produce, and other goods to warehouses in the Meatpacking District. By the 1960s, trucking had largely replaced rail freight, and the line carried fewer and fewer trains. The last train ran in 1980, and the structure sat unused for nearly 30 years, becoming overgrown with plants and inaccessible to the public.
In the 1990s, a group of neighbors and community members began pushing to save the structure instead of tearing it down. They formed Friends of the High Line in 1999 and spent years working with the city and property owners to develop a plan. The city acquired the land through a combination of purchase and long-term leases. The design was created by landscape architects James Corner Field Operations and architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, who preserved the industrial character of the structure while adding new plantings, walkways, and public spaces.
The transformation took longer than expected because of the complexity of building on an active structure over private property and city streets. But the first section opened in 2009 to when ready popularity, and the remaining sections followed as funding and design work were completed.
What You Will See and Do on the High Line
The park is designed as a linear walk with multiple entry and exit points along its length. You can enter at Gansevoort Street (the southern end), West 14th Street, West 20th Street, West 23rd Street, West 30th Street, or West 34th Street (the northern end). Each section has its own character and features.
The plantings change with the seasons and were chosen to reflect the native plants that grew wild on the abandoned railroad. In spring and summer, you see flowering perennials, grasses, and shrubs. In fall, the foliage turns color. In winter, the park is quieter, but the structure itself and the views remain. The park includes benches and lounge chairs where you can sit, read, or watch the city. Some sections have food vendors selling coffee, snacks, and meals.
The park also hosts cultural programming: live music, film screenings, dance performances, and art installations. Many of these events are free, though some require tickets. The schedule changes throughout the year and is posted on the Friends of the High Line website.
Practical Information for Your Visit
The High Line is open daily during daylight hours. Hours shift with the seasons: in summer it may stay open until 10 p.m., while in winter it closes earlier, around 5 or 6 p.m. Check the Friends of the High Line website or call 212-500-6035 for current hours before you go.
The park is free to enter. No tickets or reservations are needed. Dogs are allowed on-leash. The park is accessible to people using wheelchairs and strollers, though some sections have stairs as an alternative to ramps. Bicycles are not allowed on the park itself, but you can walk them through.
The nearest subway stations depend on which section you want to visit. For the southern end (Gansevoort Street), the A, C, or E trains stop at 14th Street. For the middle sections, the A, C, or E trains also serve 14th Street and 42nd Street. For the northern end (West 34th Street), the A, C, or E trains stop at 34th Street. Street-level access points are clearly marked with signage.
Nearby Neighborhoods and What to Do Nearby
The High Line runs through or borders several distinct neighborhoods. At the southern end, you are in the Meatpacking District, which has restaurants, bars, and shops. Moving north, you pass through Chelsea, which has art galleries, boutiques, and more dining options. The northern end approaches Hudson Yards, a newer development with shopping, dining, and the Vessel (a large public art structure, though it is currently closed to the public).
Many visitors combine a walk on the High Line with exploring the neighborhoods below. You can exit the park, walk around street level, and re-enter at a different point. The Whitney Museum of American Art sits at the southern end of the park at Gansevoort Street, and the park was designed to connect to it.
Best Times to Visit
The High Line is popular year-round, but the experience differs by season. Spring and early summer offer the most flowers and the most crowds. Late spring (May and June) and early fall (September and October) are often considered the best times because the weather is mild and the plantings are full without the peak summer crowds.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than weekend afternoons and evenings. If you prefer solitude or a quieter walk, visit on a weekday morning. If you want to catch cultural programming or enjoy the park's social atmosphere, weekend afternoons and summer evenings are livelier.
Winter visits are quieter and offer a different aesthetic. The park is less crowded, and the bare branches and dried grasses have their own appeal. However, the park can be cold and windy at elevation, so dress warmly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring food and drinks onto the High Line?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. The park also has food vendors at various points along the walk. Alcohol is not allowed in the park.
Is the High Line safe at night?
The park closes at dusk (hours vary by season), so there is no official nighttime access. The park is well-lit and patrolled during operating hours. If you are visiting in summer when the park stays open later, it remains a public space with other visitors and park staff present.
How long does it take to walk the entire High Line?
A leisurely walk from one end to the other takes about 45 minutes to an hour if you do not stop. Most people spend 1.5 to 2 hours because they pause to sit, look at views, or explore the plantings. You do not have to walk the entire length — you can enter and exit at any point.
Are there bathrooms on the High Line?
There are public restrooms at several points along the park. The main facilities are near Gansevoort Street (the southern entrance), around West 23rd Street, and near West 34th Street. During winter months or off-peak times, some facilities may have limited hours.
Can I take photos on the High Line?
Yes, personal photography is allowed. The park is a popular spot for photos, especially at sunset or during the spring bloom. Commercial photography and filming require a permit from Friends of the High Line.