Hiking in the Beginning of High Line: trails, map and practical info

The High Line is a public park built on an elevated section of a disused railway line in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It was opened in 2009 after a two-year renovation. The park extends from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues.

The High Line was originally built in the 1930s as a freight railway line, and it was used to transport goods between warehouses in the Meatpacking District and factories in Midtown Manhattan. The line was abandoned in 1980, and it fell into disrepair.

In 1999, a group of community activists formed the Friends of the High Line, including notable figures like Robert Hammond and Joshua David, who began campaigning to save the line from demolition. In 2002, the New York City government agreed to fund a $152 million restoration project. The project was completed in 2009, and the High Line was opened to the public.

The transformation of this urban space was designed by James Corner Field Operations with planting design by Piet Oudolf, creating a unique blend of nature and urban architecture that has captivated New Yorkers and tourists alike. The park features a variety of gardens, art installations, and performance spaces, and it has been praised for its innovative design and for its role in revitalizing the Chelsea neighborhood.

Located near significant landmarks such as Hudson Yards and Penn Station, the High Line also offers views of Greenwich Village and connects visitors to cultural hubs like Google’s headquarters. Its proximity to historical sites like the National Biscuit Company building adds another layer of interest for those exploring the west side of Manhattan.