Franny Reese Overlooks & Ruins Hike

Located on the west side of the Hudson River in New York's Hudson Valley sits the quiet, but unique Franny Reese State Park with its Hudson River views and abandoned estate ruins.

This short and easy 1.8-mile out-and-back hike leads out to two overlooks above the Hudson River, one featuring the Mid-Hudson Bridge, and passes several abandoned ruins of an old estate.

Hiking to the Franny Reese Overlooks

To start, the trailhead for Franny Reese State Park is located at the dead-end of a dirt entrance road on the corner of Macks Lane in Highland, NY and can be easily missed. There's just one trail that leads into the park and acts as the main artery for hikers, following the Yellow Trail as it slowly leads downhill.

Follow the Yellow Trail as it bends around several curves before reaching an open meadow with a left-hand turn to the Blue Trail. The Blue Trail leads hikers in a loop and out to a viewpoint high above the Hudson River, located near mile 0.6. At the overlook sits the Mid-Hudson Bridge below your feet with its traffic humming to and from Poughkeepsie, New York.

Abandoned Estate Ruins - Mile 0.75 to 0.8

After exploring the Hudson River viewpoint, the Blue Trail leads south and meets up with the White Trail. Here, at the junction with the White Trail, sits an old estate with the primary attraction being the decaying home. If you follow the Blue Trail just a bit further, you'll find the old entrance or driveway to the home with a rock wall and short stone pillar that sits in front of the ruins. Next, follow the White Trail as it leads east, passing ruins of an old barn, and then finally what appears to be ruins of an old utility shed.

Hudson River View - Mile 1

If you wish to extend your hike just a bit further, this route leads to one more viewpoint of the Hudson River, located at mile 1. The trail undulates mostly uphill to reach the viewpoint where hikers will find a somewhat obstructed view during warm months and a more open view during cold months, along with a bench where you can sit and take a short break.

Hiking Out - Mile 1 to 1.8

If you hike back from the second Hudson River viewpoint at mile 1, then the hike back is simple. Follow the White Trail back to reach the Blue Trail, passing the old estate ruins along the way. Take a left-hand turn along the Blue Trail and a right-hand turn along the Yellow Trail. Follow the Yellow Trail as it winds its way back uphill to reach the trailhead and parking area to wrap up the 1.8-mile hike.

Parking

Hikers will find a small parking lot at the end of the dirt road, located off of Macks Lane in Highland, NY at the coordinates provided: 41.699111, -73.963716. The parking lot is large enough to fit about 10 vehicles as of June 2026. The GPS coordinates provided will bring you to that entrance road to avoid map apps from attempting to route you otherwise.

Pets

Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.

Warning

Abandoned ruins: While this hike leads to abandoned ruins, the state of New York has posted "no trespassing" signs along the edge of the abandoned home ruins, like for your own safety, as the structures may not be stable to allow the general public to approach too close. Please be respectful.