The High Line

We were looking forward to a nice walk on the High Line. What actually occurred was 5 minutes on a crowded, dangerous sidewalk, separated from “garden space” by an almost invisible cable fence less than 12 inches high. I caught my shin on the cable, resulting in a fall causing a broken elbow and nose, and a gash on my forehead which required stitches to close. The two ‘staff’ members who approached me as I was bleeding profusely were of no help whatsoever, and evidently saw no sense of urgency. There was absolutely no medical protocol for dealing with my situation - not even ice or a towel with which to stem the bleeding. And because it is elevated, there is no way to get medical personnel to anyone injured in a timely fashion. Wonder what they do if someone suffers a heart attack or stroke?! Guess you are just SOL!
Upon my return home I let those in charge know what had happened in order to prevent future such occurrences. I was told they would get back to me in less than a week. That was 8 weeks ago, and still have not heard from them.
My advice is to avoid the High Line, let all your friends know it is not only a huge waste of time, but you could be risking your life. The Friends of the High Line, the Department of Parks and Recreation and the City of New York don’t give a rip about anything but fleecing tourists!

The High Line is well worth a visit, and if you are comfortable with NYC subway and buses, very easily done. That said, cabs will also transport you at either end.This is an outdoor thing so avoid hot, windy or wet days. Spring, autumn, or in our case, a cold but beautiful day in January are perfect. I would recommend starting at the southern end right next to the Whitney. A variety of buses or subways will get you to the general area. If using Google maps or similar, get directions to the Whitney. The general area to the east of the Whitney has been restored and is worth a wander. The Kobrick Coffee shop on the corner of W13th and 9th Ave is a good place for a coffee, snack and restroom break before your walk. Wander west along Gransevoort towards the Whitney. Even if you have no interest in the gallery, it is worth entering the Whitney (bag check on entry) and having a browse of the gift shop. The cafeteria to the right is also available without any entrance fee.
Just 50 yards east of the Whitney entrance is the access to the High Line. You can go up the stairs, or use the elevator. There are no further steps in this journey. So, what is the High Line? Do your own research, but essentially, an old elevated rail line, now recreated into a very pleasant boarded elevated walkway. It is very tastefully done. The walk from the Whitney end, to the northern end at around W30th is a leisurely hour, give or take. What’s to see? Mostly, an eclectic and fascinating collection of varied building architecture along the way - plus, a birdseye view of NYC life mostly along 10th Ave. There are a couple of places where very tasteful viewing areas gave been provided. There are many opportunities to take a break on new bench seats. Travel slowly and look around, there are an abundance of photo opportunities to the keen eye.
You end your journey (without steps) at W30th, and easily remain on the same elevation at the beautifully renovated Hudson Yards area. There is the fascinating new Observation Tower, worthy of a photo or three, and worth going up. There is a large expanse of paved area with abundant seating. Having wandered around there, go into the upmarket shopping complex. A huge variety of upmarket shops, eateries, and restrooms.
When ready to leave, head maybe 100 yards north to the 34th Street entrance to the subway 7 line, or, wander east along W34th for 15 minutes (various eateries along the way) to Penn Station, and multiple subway lines. Or, grab a crosstown bus on 34th, depending upon where you are wanting to go.
All told, this is a pleasant and easy few hours, including the wandering and browsing at either end. An easy interlude, and I’d recommend doing it to expand your NYC experience, but, pick the right day.

They keep adding little tidbits to this abandoned raised railway to make it more of an experience. One of the coolest aspects is that it starts by the Whitney Museum and there is Ample Hill Ice Cream shop at its bottom. it has plants benches and art sculptures. If you have money to burn, at the very end the new Hudson Yards is close by. Somewhere in the middle is a window where you can watch traffic fight it's way up 10th avenue. My kids weren't impressed, but that's because we have a back yard. Most people don't, and I think as a tourist you can definitely appreciate the Whitney art museum whereas my kids are too young and bored by the mere thought of walking a mile and a half long elevated park. Your experience may differ.

Covid visit- Entry is free, reservations were required, you can currently only go in one direction from south to north. I went on a Sunday afternoon with my friend and it was uncrowded and very pleasant. Lots of places to sit, beautiful landscaping and wonderful views. There's a restroom at the north end of the park near the hudson yards. Highly recommend!

Walked the trail all the way from the Hudson Yards to the Chelsea Market, comparing the differences in the city from the last time we were here to this visit. The High Line is always changing, be it from time of day to time of the year, and deserves multiple visits - it will continue to amaze. I encourage an evening visit in the summer, to enjoying the sun setting over the water, colouring the brick building an even more vibrant shade red.

Was the perfect venue for walking off or Christmas lunch, and a surprising find.
We headed north of soho to get onto the walk at 10th Street and proceeded to walk the whole route to Hudson’s Yard along the disused 1840’s freight rail line now re-purposed as community walk.
A lovely calm and quiet space amidst the hustle a bustle - places to sit and reflect as well as encourage wildlife to visit. There are access ways all along the route if you come from a different angle, we went early in the morning which was very quiet but it was getting busier by the time we finished at around 10.30.
All along the route are interesting artworks and things relating to the diverse local community.
Completely free and well worth the time to take in the scenery and have a little reflective time.

We spent a little while on the High Line on New Year's Eve from 5-5:30pm. It was cold, windy and almost dark and totally worth it. After a day in crowds on 5th Avenue and then a full tour of the Whitney Museum (also a great place to visit) it was fantastic to get out and get fresh air without stepping around people. The High Line in summer is great but winter has it's own appeal. It's well lighted and there were plenty of people walking so it wasn't creepy. Without leaves, the trees, the overall design and artwork really stand out and the view of the river is lovely. With all the Christmas lights in addition to the normal lighted buildings, it was gorgeous. We could see into the ballroom at the top of one building where hundreds of balloons were in nets at the ceiling to be released at midnight. We made it to Chelsea Market before it closed and did some fun book and basket shopping.

A really neat "only in New York" space and I want to see other parts at night on another visit.

The High Line is a fascinating park created out of an abandoned elevated train line. It features changing art installations, picturesque food vendors, and views of, umm, interesting architecture which is becoming more common since the High Line changed the neighborhoods it passes through into stylish locales.

It is, however, long and narrow, and usually packed with people who are invariably moving at a different pace than you are. Despite that, it is quite enjoyable.

We walked this after finishing the Circle Line cruise tour (walk to it isn’t far).

It was busy on the day we went and in places it was very congested. This walk gives you an elevated perspective of the city as you walk the line and it weaves through the buildings. We popped off it at certain points to have a look around and had a good couple of hours.

New York is busy, period, so don’t expect this to be any different during peak times.

Whilst spending a weekend in New York we decided to walk the High Line, a recreation park / walk along an old disused railway track. We go onto the High Line at W 25th Street and walked to the Gansevoort Street end of the line. It was quite busy, even on a cold February afternoon, and a pleasant way to see the Chelsea and Meat-packers areas of Manhattan. There are plenty of benches where you can sit and take in the surroundings, trees and flora and also various pieces of art. It's close to Chelsea Market too, which is a nice place to spend an hour or so to get refreshments and do a spot of shopping after the High Line walk.