A day trip to New York City usually includes Central Park in the agenda, but some of the city’s less famous parks can be just as interesting and relaxing. One of these unique parks is the High Line.Located between 10th and 11th Avenues, the High Line stretches above the city streets on an elevated railroad track constructed in the 1930’s that had been abandoned by 1980 and was converted into a park starting in 2006. The park runs in a north to south direction and currently stretches between Gansevoort Street at the southern end up to West 30th Street. Expansion to West 34th Street is planned for the future.
Michele and I took a summer day trip to explore the High Line and see how nature had been introduced to the old railroad track. We decided to walk north, starting at the West 14th Street entrance. On this beautiful Saturday afternoon the High Line was a popular place for folks to spend their weekend. Later that day we chatted with some locals and learned that if you come during the week it’s possible to beat the crowds.
Although I’m no expert when it comes to knowing all of the various types of flowers and plants, I found many great photo opportunities.
A few businesses operate on the High Line, such as The Porch, were we stopped to relax for a bit and have a cold drink. Entrance and exit walkways along the way make it easy to drop into the stores underneath.
We walked the High Line as far as West 23rd Street, and decided to exit there to check out some other nearby points of interest.
If you’re only looking for nature then any of New York City’s parks will suffice, but if your interest is in how nature is introduced into the urban landscape, be sure to take a walk on the High Line.
TRAVEL TIPS:
The High Line is located between 10th and 11th Avenues and runs north to south between West 30th Street and Gansevoort Street, with future expansion planned. The A/C/E Subway is the most convenient public transit method to get to the High Line.
The park is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
There are several entrance/exit points along the way and several have elevators for wheelchair access.
Bicycles, skateboards, and picking flowers and plants are prohibited
