See New York from an elevated perspective by taking a walk on the High Line. Once a rail line that carried train cars through the center of the city, today the elevated passageway is a beautiful park with gardens, picnic areas and scenic viewpoints. Built in 1934, the West Side Elevated Line helped improve safety for pedestrians in Manhattan and delivered goods directly to warehouses downtown. As trucks became more popular than trains for citywide deliveries, the rail line began to see less and less use. In 1980, the tracks were abandoned for good.
It took until 2009 for the first section of the High Line to open to the public. Each section has its own character and unique features. At the north end of the park, the High Line descends to ground level at 34th Street. As you walk south, the path provides unobstructed views of the Hudson River. Continue south to see the Pershing Square beams, an area of original decking uncovered for visitors to enjoy. Other areas of interest include a lawn, thickets of trees, native plantings, public art and food carts.
The High Line terminates in an overlook at its southern end facing the Meatpacking District and the Whitney Museum of American Art. The rail line that used to continue from here was demolished in 1980.
You can access the High Line at eleven different points along the route. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset.
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