New York City, NY: The High Line, Section 1 (Gansevoort Street to 20th Street)
Take a stroll above the bustling streets of Manhattan on the High Line, an elevated walkway with picturesque gardens and views of the city skyline.
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Escape the hustle of the city on this mile-long stroll that travels 30 feet above the ground on the High Line. The elevated railway-turned-park on Manhattan’s West Side is dotted with gardens and benches and offers a respite from the fast-paced world below. This 1-mile out-and-back tours the first section of the High Line, traveling from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street (the second section opened June 8, 2011).
Start at the Gansevoort Street staircase near the intersection of Gansevoort Street and Washington Street. After climbing the stairs to the High Line, walk south to reach the southernmost point of the walkway. Take in the busy scene below, then turn around and walk north. The path passes intermittent views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades, which peek through the gaps in the skyscrapers and buildings to the west; look east for good people-watching and street views.
Take time to examine the gardens that sprout out of old railroad tracks and stop to lounge in the wooden chairs and benches that afford sunset views over the Hudson. When you reach 20th Street—and the end of Section 1—turn around and return to Gansevoort Street.
-Mapped by MacKenzie Ryan
PLAN IT
MAP: Download a map at thehighline.org/about/maps
CONDITIONS: For current conditions, go to New York, NY (10023) Weather
INFO:
>> High Line, (212) 500-6035; thehighline.org/about/park-information
>> Parks & Rec: nycgovparks.org/parks/highline
OTHER RESOURCES
GEAR
Eastern Mountain Sports
530 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
(212) 966-8730
ems.com
GROCERIES
Whole Foods Market – Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9600
wholefoodsmarket.com
RESTAURANTS
Loeb Boathouse
Near the center of Central Park, just a short walk from Fifth Ave. and 72nd St.
(212) 517-2233
thecentralparkboathouse.com
Trail Facts
- Distance: 1.6
Waypoints
HIG001
Location: 40.739835, -74.008265
Enter from the Gansevoort Street staircase. Head south to reach the southernmost point of the High Line.
HIG002
Location: 40.739422, -74.008278
The southernmost point of the High Line features great views of Washington Street and Gansevoort Street. The Hudson and New Jersey Palisades are to the west. Gardens line the west side of the walkway. Next, turn around and begin walking north.
HIG003
Location: 40.74354, -74.006959
This west-facing lookout offers great views of 10th Avenue and the High Line itself. Continue north from here.
HIG004
Location: 40.743882, -74.00683
Descend the wooden stairs to access the bleacher seats. At the bottom of these wide benches is a massive window with views of West 17th Street. Retrace steps back to the High Line and continue north when finished.
HIG005
Location: 40.744751, -74.006951
Pass the West 18th Street exit.
HIG006
Location: 40.745959, -74.006146
Pass the West 20th Street exit.
HIG007
Location: 40.746085, -74.006072
Section 1 ends at 20th Street. Note: Section 2 (20th Street to 30th Street) is projected to open in 2010. Turn around and return to the Gansevoort exit.
Corner of Washington and Gansevoort
Location: 40.739423, -74.008261
High Line passes beneath the first of two buildings
Location: 40.740039, -74.008222
Gardens
Location: 40.740226, -74.008198
West 14th Street
Location: 40.74196, -74.007825
Passing under the second building
Location: 40.743201, -74.007109
Gardens
Location: 40.743455, -74.006975
Views of the High Line
Location: 40.743721, -74.006932
Flowers and Billboards
Location: 40.744644, -74.00698
20th Street Views
Location: 40.74603, -74.0061