Franny Reese State Park

The overlook at Franny Reese State Parkphoto: Terry Hardy

Highland, Ulster County (251 acres)—Scenic Hudson initially protected (and continues to manage) this stunning landscape, now owned by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and named in memory of Frances "Franny" Reese (1917-2003), Scenic Hudson's guiding spirit. Its 2.5 miles of trails follow in part an historic carriage road that passes the ruins of a 19th-century estate, while an overlook affords superb views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park and the City of Poughkeepsie. A link connects the park to the Walkway Loop Trail.

Park Features

Access via train
Biking
Bird watching/nature study
Dog walking (on leash)
Food nearby
Hiking
Picnicking
X-country skiing&snowshoeing (ungroomed trails)

When to visit

Year-round daily dawn to dusk.

Directions & Map

Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north and take first right onto Haviland Road. Parking area for Johnson-Iorio Park is located at the end of Haviland Road. From parking area, descend stairs and cross under Mid-Hudson Bridge. Trailhead is on the right.

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