This blog was updated from an earlier version
In every season, this elevated walkway on Manhattan’s West Side delights visitors.
A new life for an old train line.
Photo by Francois Roux/Adobe Stock
During the mid-1800’s, railroad tracks ran along 10th and 11th Avenue in Manhattan, delivering coal, dairy products and beef to processors and distributors on the West Side. Men on horseback rode in front of the trains, waving flags to warn people of approaching trains, but the corridor was hazardous. By 1910, an estimated 548 deaths and 1,574 injuries had occurred over the years on the 11th Avenue line alone. The solution – elevate the tracks!
In 1933, the first train chugged along the High Line viaduct, which ran from St. John’s Park to Spring Street. However, by the 1950’s the dramatic increase in interstate trucking greatly depressed the market for freight trains. By 1978, the High Line saw only two carloads of cargo per week. Two years later, with the construction of the Javits Convention Center at 34th Street, Conrail, the High Line’s owner, had to disconnect it from the national rail system. Afterward, the unused line fell into disrepair, but its riveted steel structure remained sound.
Photo by Janifest
The High Line in 2023 – 2024
Today, in late 2023, the High Line is a must-see attraction in New York City. And now, a new extension connects the popular path directly to the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station! Newly opened in June 2023, the High Line–Moynihan Train Hall Connector moves east along 30th Street; pedestrians are then able to move north from 31st Street and then west into the train station. This new path traverses over busy streets, allowing neighbors, commuters, and visitors access to transit amenities and the west side of Manhattan with only one street crossing.
The extension consists of a pair of bridges. The Woodland Bridge, running along 30th Street, has deeper planting beds than anywhere on the High Line, which allows for larger trees. Plantings include 63 trees, 90 shrubs, and more than 5,200 grasses and perennials. The Timber Bridge, made of sustainably-sourced wood runs above Dyer Avenue.
Whether you’re someone looking for a little bit of nature in an urban environment, or someone looking to take on a trail without walking through the woods, the High Line has something for everyone— at every season of the year.
THE HOLIDAYS AND WINTER AT THE HIGH LINE
Even during the winter months, the High Line attracts a steady stream of visitors who bundle up to get some exercise and check out the attractions. One of the most popular attractions near the park is Hudson Yards, the home of the Vessel, Edge and multiple shops. The Vessel at Hudson Yards is a major attraction for visitors, towering over the city. When you climb to the top of this honeycomb-style structure, you’ll experience the art of the sculpture you’re standing on as well as the art of the city skyline and the Hudson River. During the holidays Shine Bright at Hudson Yards illuminates the area with over two million twinkling lights. Get into the spirit of the season with free photo opportunities with Santa and special shopping and dining events.
Or go ice skating at the Edge; this high-rise observation tower is home to the the highest ice skating rink in the Western Hemisphere! Suspended in mid-air, you feel like you are floating in the sky. Look 100 stories down from the thrilling glass floor. (And sip champagne if you are over 21.) Buy tickets here.
HISTORY
During the mid-1800’s, railroad tracks ran along 10th and 11th Avenue in Manhattan, delivering coal, dairy products and beef to processors and distributors on the West Side. Men on horseback rode in front of the trains, waving flags to warn people of approaching trains, but the corridor was hazardous. By 1910, an estimated 548 deaths and 1,574 injuries had occurred over the years on the 11th Avenue line alone. The solution – elevate the tracks!
In 1933, the first train chugged along the High Line viaduct, which ran from St. John’s Park to Spring Street. However, by the 1950’s the dramatic increase in interstate trucking greatly depressed the market for freight trains. By 1978, the High Line saw only two carloads of cargo per week. Two years later, with the construction of the Javits Convention Center at 34th Street, Conrail, the High Line’s owner, had to disconnect it from the national rail system. Afterward, the unused line fell into disrepair, but its riveted steel structure remained sound.
A Second Life
In 1999, inspired by the Promenade Plantée, a tree-lined walkway following an old, elevated railroad line in Paris, residents along the High Line began advocating for the city to preserve and repurpose of the High Line as an urban park. Work on the project began in 2006, with the first phase opening in 2009. The third and final phase was completed in 2014, with a short spur above 10th Avenue and 30th Street to open this year.
Today, the High Line is one of New York’s outdoor gems. This 1.45-mile elevated greenway now has over 5 million visitors annually and has inspired other cities throughout the United States to turn obsolete infrastructure into attractive public areas.
Photo by Hansenn/Adobe Stock
Plinth
While walking the trail, you’ll likely notice things that’ll differ from your typical walking trail experience. In typical Manhattan fashion, this urban trail is filled with art, culture and even food. A prominent feature along the High Line is its position as a sculpture park. The High Line is adorned with multiple commissioned sculptures. This section of the High Line is called Plinth, a landmark destination that has hosted public art commissions since 2019. Here, you can view large sculptures like the upcoming “Untitled (Drone)” by Sam Durant. If you visited anywhere between June 2019 and May 2021, you likely saw Simone Leigh’s famous “Brick House” sculpture. No matter when you’re visiting the High Line, you’ll always witness breathtaking art from talented artists.
Alongside the sculptures on the High Line, there are plenty of performing arts performances to witness. Check the High Line’s website for updates on the next performance at the park.
Food
With all of your walking along the High Line, you’re bound to get hungry. Luckily for you, the High Line is lined with a surplus of food options. Food vendors on the High Line include Melt Bakery, La Newyorkina, Hungry Ghost, Berlin Currywurst, Tastalu, L’Arte del Gelato and Hearth on the High Line. For sweets, you’ll want to check out Melt Bakery, which serves ice cream sandwiches, La Newyorkina, which serves frozen treats that are perfect in the city heat or L’Arte Gelato, which of course, serves delicious gelato.
If you’re looking for cafe-style foods, you’ll want to stop by one of the three Hungry Ghosts. This shop sells coffee and baked goods, which is great if you’re walking the High Line early. Prefer savory over sweet? Be sure to sit down at Hearth on the High Line for smaller plates and wine with a view of the Hudson River. If you’re craving street-style food, Berlin Currywurst is a sure bet to satisfying your German food cravings. Last but certainly not least, Tastalu serves artisanal Italian paninis that are sure to suit all of your meat and cheese needs.
Dining Nearby
Thinking you’ll be hungry before or after visiting the park? There are plenty of restaurants near Penn Station that are great dining options. Only 10 minutes from Madison Square Garden, is the delicious, Madangsui Korean BBQ. Here, you can try a variety of dishes that perfectly incorporate a combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Another option is the Molly Wee Pub & Restaurant which is only a mere block away from Penn. If you’re a fan of Irish food and culture, you’ll want to check out this restaurant and pub.
Looking to do some more shopping? The park passes by Chelsea Market, which boasts a surplus of restaurants and shops as well.
Moving forward you’ll find the Whitney Museum of American Art, which hosts a plethora of art exhibitions and events. The art museum features artwork from more than 100 artists, including work from the famous Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol.
Things to Do Along the Way
If you’re visiting the city and walking the High Line, you may be wondering what else there is to do nearby. Luckily for you, the High Line has plenty of attractions and things to do along the way. One of the most popular attractions near the park is Hudson Yards, the home of the Vessel, Edge and multiple shops. The Vessel at Hudson Yards is a major attraction for visitors, towering over the city. When you climb to the top of this honeycomb-style structure, you’ll experience the art of the sculpture you’re standing on as well as the art of the city skyline and the Hudson River. Aside from the Vessel, Edge is a great attraction as well. This feature of Hudson Yards allows you to stand on the edge of Manhattan, overseeing the skyline ahead. With windows surrounding you, it’ll truly seem like you’re standing on the edge. Also at Hudson Yards is several restaurants and shops.
Looking to do some more shopping? The park passes by Chelsea Market, which boasts a surplus of restaurants and shops as well.
Moving forward you’ll find the Whitney Museum of American Art, which hosts a plethora of art exhibitions and events. The art museum features artwork from more than 100 artists, including work from the famous Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol.
Take Amtrak to the High Line
Experience the High Line via Amtrak to Moynihan Train Hall—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount! With the new extension, the High Line can be accessed directly at the train station.
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