Strolling the High Line is one of my favorite things to do in New York City. Photos show what it's like to walk the whole trail.
- The High Line is a public park in New York City, created from a retired railroad track.
- I walk the path a few times a year; I think it's a great way to beat Manhattan's hustle and bustle.
Sometimes, when living in New York City, you need a break from the hustle and bustle, and leaving the city isn't always possible.
For me, the solution is one of Manhattan's public parks, like the High Line.
The High Line, a park that stretches between the Meatpacking District and Hudson Yards neighborhoods, was founded in 1999 but didn't open to the public until 2009, according to its website. The 1.5-mile-long trail was built from a former elevated railroad track that operated between 1934 and 1980 and is now a well-maintained walking path for locals and tourists alike, the website states.
The park was built in two phases. The first section, between Gansevoort Street and 20th Street, opened in June 2009. In 2011, it was extended to 30th Street and then again to the Rail Yards in 2014. The final section, called the "Spur," located in Hudson Yards, opened in 2019, the website states.
I tend to walk the trail a few times a year and stopped by again this month while staying at the nearby Equinox Hotel. As someone who visits semi-regularly, I recommend going in the off-season, when it's less packed with tourists.
Here's what it's like to walk the whole path from start to finish.
Most recently, I walked the High Line on a chilly Monday in November. I started near the Vessel, a massive art structure in Hudson Yards, and headed south.
I entered the park at the "Spur," the park's northernmost point.
This entrance is just a few steps from the Vessel. The whole path is under 1.5 miles long (one way).
Right away, people walking the High Line are greeted with sculptures and works of art, like this cartoon figure on a building across the street.
In fact, it feels like you can't go more than a few steps without running into some sort of art.
This particular morning, I was amazed by how much solitude it provided. It felt like an escape from New York City — without leaving Manhattan.
I walk along the track a few times a year, and this was the least crowded I've ever seen it. Granted, it was in the fall during the work week.
This particular morning, I was amazed by how much solitude it provided. It felt like an escape from New York City.
Towards the end of the path — or the beginning, depending on where you start — is the Chelsea Market. It's the perfect place to stop for a treat.
Chelsea Market is a giant food hall and retail space. This time, I popped by a coffee shop for an espresso to fuel the rest of my walk.
In just under a half hour, I made it to the end of the High Line. I'd recommend the peaceful stroll to anyone looking to escape the buzz of Manhattan.
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