Randomizing the height of cubes

Hi!

I have the following problem: I need to create a platform composed by hundreds of cubes, differing only in height. Furthermore, there needs to be a path, and the cubes that generate this path would be at a lower and more uniform altitude. I have attached an image that clarifies this concept, created in autocad:

Not essential, but I would like to have the boxes increase in height, the further one got away perpendicularly from the path (Maybe this could be achieved with an attractor?)

Could you give me some tips in constructing the definition? I presume I must use a random component and choose an interval...I am still very noob, and my limited knowledge is hampering my progress :P