Walking New York’s High Line

One of the most popular attractions in New York for tourists and locals alike, is the High Line, a public walkway that meanders high above the streets on the western side of the city.

This elevated railway track was built in the early thirty’s to take the dangerous freight trains away from the streets. The track was left in ruin after the last train stopped in 1980. It had been slated for demolition but in 1999, a group known as the ‘Friends of the High Line’ was formed and have fought tirelessly to retain it as public open space.

In June 2009, their dream became a reality with the opening of the first section between Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking district and W20th St. June 2011 saw the opening of the second stage from 20th Street to 30th Street and just recently approval has been give for the final stage from 30th Street  to 34th Street to go ahead.

We started our walk at the northern end of the High Line at 30th Street where you can see the remaining part of the track that is soon to be converted.

The start of the High Line at W30th Street

The walkway passes between apartment and office buildings with great views to be seen between the buildings.

 The High Line

A lot of thought has gone into the landscape design with paving following the line of the tracks and teak benches designed in keeping with area. Drought resistant shrubs, wildflowers and grasses have been planted in between the tracks and paving. Flowers attract the birds and provide an ever changing look to the park.

Grasses planted between the tracks

The National Biscuit Building was an important complex in this area. Buildings were spread over two blocks with pedestrian walkways joining them. At W15th street, these can also be seen from the High Line. The main building is now the Chelsea Market, a retail complex of food orientated shops and restaurants.

The footbridge on W15th Street