Visiting the High Line in New York
The New York High Line is built on a former 1930s elevated freight rail line. Over time, the city government gradually redeveloped it into an elevated park opened in 2009, offering sweeping views of Manhattan. This aerial walkway stretches 2.3km long, winding through the Meatpacking District.
The Story of a Railroad Saved from Demolition
The line was originally built to haul freight for the Meatpacking District, but by the 1980s, freight transport had largely shifted to trucks. That is when the line fell out of service and went abandoned. In 1999, rather than tearing it down, local residents founded an advocacy group to transform the structure into a greenway.
In 2004, the mayor of New York saw the grassroots movement gaining momentum, decided to back the project, and unlocked funding for the first section, which opened in 2009. The second section launched in 2011, and the final stretch followed in 2014.
An Eco-Chic Walkway
The High Line is a trendy spot, connecting the stylish bars and clubs of the Meatpacking District to the art galleries of Chelsea.
It also functions as an ecological showcase. In fact, the promenade operates as one of the largest green roofs around. It aids in stormwater retention, provides oxygen, and creates a habitat for local wildlife. Furthermore, the plant species were not chosen at random, as they are derived from the flora that grew naturally when the site was abandoned.
The project relies heavily on community participation, with many people signing up as volunteers to help maintain the High Line grounds. Naturally, numerous musical performances and art installations take place here throughout the spring and summer.
It serves as a walking path, an environmental project, and a citizen initiative, standing out as one of the urban successes of New York. Make sure to pencil it into your itinerary.
Opening hours
| Monday | 07:00-22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 07:00-22:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:00-22:00 |
| Thursday | 07:00-22:00 |
| Friday | 07:00-22:00 |
| Saturday | 07:00-22:00 |
| Sunday | 07:00-22:00 |
The High Line, an elevated walkway above Manhattan, reminded me of the Promenade Plantée in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. You start at Chelsea Market, in the very hipster neighborhood of Chelsea, and finish in the newly redeveloped Hudson Yards area. Don't hesitate to lie down on the benches provided for that purpose or head down to check out a few art galleries. This kind of walk really lets you get a bit of perspective on the traffic and the world below.