Elevated park on old rail line with Hudson Yards, city views, and greenery. Modern architecture and urban gardens for unique NYC photos.
The High Line is a 1.45-mile elevated linear park built on a disused freight rail viaduct in the Chelsea and Hudson Yards neighborhoods of Manhattan, New York City, running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District north to 34th Street adjacent to the Hudson Yards development. The rail line, originally constructed in the 1930s to carry freight cars into Manhattan's West Side industrial buildings, stopped operation in 1980. After two decades of vacancy during which self-seeding wildflowers and grasses colonized the rusted tracks, a preservation campaign led by neighborhood residents Joshua David and Robert Hammond prevented demolition and initiated the conversion. The High Line opened in phases between 2009 and 2014 and has since been credited as one of the most influential urban park projects in the world, inspiring dozens of elevated rail park projects in other cities. The park's design by James Corner Field Operations integrates original rail tracks and gravel bed into planted gardens featuring over 500 species of perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees that cycle through distinct seasonal displays. Overlooks, seating areas, and sun decks are distributed along the route, with 10th Avenue Square's transparent glass floor allowing views directly down to the street below — a vertiginous but compelling perspective. The park provides unique views of the Hudson River to the west and the Chelsea gallery district below, and abuts the modern façades of the Hudson Yards development at its northern end including the Vessel — a honeycomb of interlocking staircases by Thomas Heatherwick. Art installations rotate seasonally. The High Line is free and draws an estimated five to seven million visitors annually.
Location
40.7480, -74.0048 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the full 1.45-mile elevated park through planted gardens above Chelsea's gallery district
- Look through the 10th Avenue Square glass floor to the street below from the rail viaduct level
- See rotating public art installations displayed along the park's length throughout the year
- Photograph the Hudson River views from the western overlooks above the Chelsea Piers area
Tips for visiting
- Enter at the Gansevoort Street (southern) end and walk north for the most logical progression of neighborhoods
- Visit on weekday mornings before 10 AM — summer afternoons are extremely crowded and movement is slow
- The 10th Avenue Square sun deck fills quickly; the best unobstructed river views are from the 17th Street overlook
- Multiple street-level entry stairs and elevator access points mean visitors can join or leave the park at any point
- The neighboring Hudson Yards Vessel is visible from the northern terminus — check current access status before visiting
When to visit
Spring (April–May) for blooming plantings and autumn (October–November) for seasonal color offer the most attractive garden conditions. Visit on weekday mornings before 10 AM to avoid the heavy summer and weekend crowds. The park is especially pleasant at golden hour before sunset when horizontal light illuminates the plantings and city views.
Accessibility
The High Line is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible via elevators at multiple access points along the route, including Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 16th Street, 18th Street, 20th Street, 23rd Street, 26th Street, 28th Street, 30th Street, and 34th Street. The pathway is paved throughout. Accessible restrooms are located at multiple points along the park.
Frequently asked questions
Is the High Line free to visit?
Yes. The High Line is a free public park open daily from 7 AM (closing hours vary seasonally between 10 PM and 11 PM). No tickets or reservations are required. Some special events on the park are separately ticketed.
How long does it take to walk the High Line?
The 1.45-mile full walk from end to end takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes at a comfortable pace without stops. With art viewing, photography, and seating breaks, allow 60 to 90 minutes for the full experience.
What neighborhoods are below and around the High Line?
The southern end sits above the Meatpacking District with its boutiques and nightclubs. The middle section passes above Chelsea's gallery district, known for contemporary art galleries on and around West 25th to 29th Streets. The northern end connects to Hudson Yards, New York's newest large-scale development.
Is the High Line suitable for families?
Yes. The park is suitable for all ages. The interactive planting areas and seasonal programming attract families. Strollers can navigate the elevator access points; the main pathway is paved and stroller-accessible throughout.