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High Line, New York City, NY

• 5-star walk
• 1½ miles each way
• Easy | No elevation gain
• New York, NY | New York State
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A vibrant scene on the High Line, New York City’s elevated linear park built on a former rail line. The image captures a walkway lined with lush greenery and blooming trees with pink flowers, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding urban architecture. Visitors stroll along the path, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere amid the city’s bustle. A brick building on the right provides a textured backdrop, while the open sky and modern structures in the distance emphasize the balance between nature and urban design.

A blossoming park sprouts through the rails on the High Line.

Steel tracks once ferried freight through Manhattan's west side. Today, those same rails carry pedestrians on a verdant journey above the urban bustle. The High Line represents successful adaptive reuse—transforming industrial infrastructure into public space that honors its past while creating something entirely new.

New York City is home to one of the most unique and picturesque rail trails in the country, but you'll need to leave your bicycle at home to explore this former elevated railroad. At about a mile and a half in length, the High Line stretches uninterrupted from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street at Hudson Yards, offering a unique elevated perspective of the city as visitors wander through a carefully curated landscape that weaves between buildings.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ The High Line 1.5 mi each way, easy, no elevation gain
GPX File · AllTrails · North End · South End GPX?

Beginning at the southern entrance, we ascend to find ourselves elevated above street level, immersed in thoughtfully designed green space. Native plantings inspired by the wild vegetation that once reclaimed the abandoned tracks create natural corridors that change with the seasons. Original railroad tracks incorporated into the design serve as reminders of the structure's industrial past.

Continuing north, the path reveals changing views of the Hudson River and Manhattan's architecture. Near the northern terminus stands Hudson Yards, home to The Vessel, a distinctive honeycomb-shaped structure of interconnected staircases.

Not far from the High Line's southern end, we spot Little Island, an artificial island park built on concrete pylons in the Hudson River. This undulating green space offers another innovative approach to urban park design. Art enthusiasts will appreciate that The Whitney Museum of American Art is located adjacent to The High Line's southern entrance. The museum features outdoor terraces that connect directly to The High Line.

An elevated view of the High Line in New York City, showcasing its unique blend of urban architecture and greenery. A walkway lined with plants stretches through the scene, with pedestrians strolling along the path. In the background, modern skyscrapers dominate the skyline, including Hudson Yards' distinctive towers. Tthe Empire State Building stands tall in the distance, grounding the image in NYC’s iconic landscape.

The High Line's paved walkway adjacent to former railroad tracks.

Throughout the length of the High Line, art installations - both permanent and temporary - dot the landscape, while the elevated perspective transforms ordinary city scenes into a dynamic urban exhibition.

You don't really need a map to explore the High Line. However, we've taken the opportunity with our map and downloads to mark several points of interest close to the High Line, along with the locations of all elevators along the route for those with accessibility requirements. The elevator locations are made visible by expanding the map and selecting them in the sidebar, and they're also available in our GPX file and AllTrails map. We've linked to the elevator status page at the foot of this article.

An urban view from the High Line in New York City, looking down W 28th Street. The elevated perspective showcases a mix of modern architecture, including a striking building on the left with curving, sculptural elements. Trees and greenery add contrast to the hard lines of the cityscape, while parked vehicles and a yellow taxi at the center highlight the energy of the streets below.

A reminder that this city park is two stories above ground.

An elevated section of the High Line in New York City, a repurposed rail line turned urban greenway. The scene features a wide pedestrian pathway with benches and lush greenery. A striking modern building, elevated on large pillars, looms overhead, its facade dotted with many windows. People stroll along the walkway, some pausing to sit and take in the surroundings. In the distance, other buildings add to the cityscape, all set against a clear blue sky.

The High Line carves a path both under and between the city's tall buildings.

The end of the High Line in New York City, captured from the top of a staircase leading down to street level. The elevated walkway features steel beams and rivets, reflecting its industrial past as a former rail line. Below, food trucks line the sidewalk, serving a variety of meals and drinks to pedestrians. People are seen walking up and down the stairs, while others gather around the vendors, contributing to the lively, bustling atmosphere.

Southern end of the High Line at Gansevoort Street.

The Vessel, a striking architectural centerpiece in Hudson Yards, New York City, stands prominently in this image. Its honeycomb-like structure consists of interconnected staircases and platforms, forming a geometric labyrinth of reflective copper-colored surfaces. Surrounding the Vessel are sleek modern skyscrapers, including the Shed, a cultural center distinguished by its expandable shell. The urban environment is vibrant, showcasing the fusion of innovative architecture and contemporary city life.

The Vessel at Hudson Yards, close to the High Line's north end.

Little Island in New York City rises above the Hudson River on a series of sculpted concrete columns resembling tulip petals. The park is lush with trees and greenery, forming a striking contrast against the surrounding urban skyline, which features modern skyscrapers and older brick buildings. The undulating design of the park adds a dynamic architectural element, blending nature with innovative urban planning.

The neighboring Little Island by Hudson River is a must visit.

Tangents:
• Official: The High Line, Smartphone App, Elevator Status
• AllTrails Public: High Line
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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