Franny Reese State Park
Franny Reese State Park, located in Highland, NY is named after the "the mother of the modern environmental movement" and longtime Hudson Valley resident Frances Stevens Reese.
"Franny" was renowned for leading the battle against Consolidated Edison's 1963 plan to build a hydroelectric facility at Storm King Mountain. She joined forces with others in the valley and helped to form the influential environmental organization Scenic Hudson.
The 1980 "Scenic Hudson Decision" became a model law that protects the environment and gives citizens the right to challenge any construction that threatens the environment or scenery and demand alternatives. The Storm King controversy was the springboard for the Environmental Protection Act.
Franny Reese State Park is managed by Scenic Hudson as part of a cooperating agreement.
Planning a Visit?
Visit the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website for Franny Reese State Park for more information:
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Open dawn to dusk
No Restrooms
Limited Parking
30 minute walk from Poughkeepsie Station
Franny Reese State Park is a great day trip destination for public transportation lovers. For those visiting from NYC, take the Metro North Hudson Line from Grand Central Station to Poughkeepsie Station. The park is walking distance from the station, and you can enjoy views from the Walkway Over the Hudson (accessibility verified by Wheel the World!) or the Mid-Hudson Bridge to cross over the Hudson River and arrive at Franny Reese. Franny Reese is a relatively small park with three main trails (keep your eyes out for the trail markers so you don’t get lost), varying levels of elevation that can be hiked with regular sneakers, and is a great park to visit with your dog (on a leash, please!) Don’t forget to bring snacks and water!
