Franny Reese State Park

Great Hike! The first couple minutes are a little steep but then it’s an awesome hike. Well marked with lots to see, definitely check out the blue trail to see the overlook of the Mid-​Hudson Bridge.

Forget the rail trail! Head just a little bit South and explore this hidden gem of a hike right under the Highland side of the Mid-​Hudson Bridge! Access the park from a staircase at the Mid-​Hudson Bridge right at the end of Haviland Road (there’s a parking lot), and enjoy the nicely-​maintained steep hike up the trail. Then feel free to explore the trails up along the ridgeline, and the accompanying views of Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley. You can also check out (but not enter) the estate of Charles Roberts from the late 1800s (
) and enjoy a history lesson while out on the hike.
This is a fairly easy hike (apart from the initial climb) and the trails are very well marked and groomed by Scenic Hudson. I like running the Mid-​Hudson Bridge and then the Franny Reese 2.6mi loop, and it’s a nice change from the Rail Trail. This park is seemingly under appreciated, so it’s worth checking out if you want a nice, approachable, and quiet hike very close to Poughkeepsie/​Highland.