605 acres of wilderness at the geographic center of LA. The Andy Griffith Show fishing hole. Hollywood's favorite secret backlot. And you've probably never been.
Why Franklin Canyon
Franklin Canyon might be the best-kept secret in Los Angeles. A 605-acre park with a three-acre lake, five miles of trails, and a duck pond — located between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley at the purported geographic center of the city. It feels like you've driven hours into nature, but you're minutes from Sunset Boulevard.
The lake is famous for something most visitors don't know: it's the fishing hole from the opening credits of The Andy Griffith Show. Where Opie skips a rock into the water and walks with Andy down a tree-lined path — that's Franklin Canyon. The same lake appeared in Creature from the Black Lagoon, Purple Rain, Bonanza, Lassie, The Waltons, Star Trek, and dozens of other productions. About 50 films are still shot here annually.
The History
Franklin Canyon's story begins in 1914 when William Mulholland — the controversial engineer who built the LA Aqueduct — oversaw construction of a reservoir here. The canyon also served as a summer retreat for the family of oil baron Edward L. Doheny.
In the 1950s, Hollywood discovered the canyon. The lack of palm trees (rare in LA) made it a perfect stand-in for forests, meadows, and rural America. Studios made arrangements with the Department of Water and Power to use the area. During WWII, shell casings from prop battles on Combat! can allegedly still be found in the dirt.
In the 1970s, developers threatened to build housing across the canyon. Conservationist Sooky Goldman and Congressman Howard Berman led the fight to preserve it, resulting in the creation of the public park in 1981. The Sooky Goldman Nature Center operates today in Goldman's honor.
The Trails
Franklin Canyon Lake Loop
1 miles · Easy · Mostly flat
The main trail. A flat, scenic loop around the three-acre lake (the Andy Griffith fishing hole). Perfect for families, beginners, and anyone who wants a peaceful walk without a serious workout. Highlights include the Dam (views north across the lake), Turtle Beach (sandy entry point with benches), the dense shaded forest on the east side, and Heavenly Pond (a duck and turtle pond created by a Boy Scout project).
Hastain Trail
2.3 miles · Moderate · Best views
The trail with the views. Climbs from the lower canyon to a ridgeline overlook with panoramic views of Century City, the Westside, and on clear days, the ocean. The "I can't believe this is in the middle of LA" moment.
Discovery Trail
1 mile · Easy · Educational
A nature interpretive trail with educational signage. Great for kids, families, and school groups. The most family-friendly option.
What You'll See
The Lake (Upper Franklin Reservoir)
Built in 1914, now a peaceful riparian habitat. The reservoir transformed an arid canyon into an oasis that attracts migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. The birdwatching here may be the best in all of LA County — great horned owls, up to seven species of hawk, eagles, ducks (including Mandarin and Wood ducks), turtles basking on logs, and occasional bobcats and gray foxes.
Hollywood History
This canyon has been rural North Carolina (Andy Griffith), the Ponderosa ranch (Bonanza), a WWII battlefield (Combat!), an alien planet (Star Trek), and Prince's motorcycle route (Purple Rain). The concrete barriers, tree-lined paths, and lake shoreline have appeared in hundreds of productions since the 1950s.
Sooky Goldman Nature Center
Small visitor center with exhibits about the park's ecology and history. Programs, guided hikes, and educational events. The adjacent William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom hosts school groups and nature programs.
Practical Details
Address: 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Getting there: From Beverly Hills, take Coldwater Canyon Boulevard to Mulholland Drive. Make a sharp right onto Franklin Canyon Drive (look for "Road Closed 1000 Feet / Sunset to Sunrise" signs). The road is narrow and winding — do not make a U-turn.
Parking: Free. Several small lots around the lake and along the canyon road. Fills on weekends — arrive before 10am.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily.
Cost: Free.
Dogs: Allowed on leash.
Facilities: Restrooms near the nature center. Picnic tables throughout. Amphitheater.
No swimming or fishing allowed in the lake.
⚠ Traffic Camera Warning
Speed cameras and stop sign cameras have been reported near the park entrance. Come to a complete stop at all stop signs. Tickets are $100+.
Tips
- Best visited on weekday mornings for solitude. Weekend mornings get busy.
- The lake loop is stroller-friendly on most sections.
- Bring binoculars — the birdwatching is genuinely exceptional.
- Mosquitoes can be present near the pond in summer — bring repellent.
- The park closes at sunset and gates are locked. Don't get locked in.
- No cell service on most trails — plan your route before you enter.
Nearby
Runyon Canyon The Hollywood hike, just a few miles east
Griffith Observatory The iconic observatory with city views
Beverly Hills The park is technically in Beverly Hills
Make It a WashedUp Plan
Franklin Canyon is the ideal low-key group hangout — easy hike, picnic by the lake, birdwatching, and a weirdly fascinating Hollywood history lesson. One of the most underrated spots in LA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Franklin Canyon a real place? Yes, Franklin Canyon Park is a 605-acre park in the Santa Monica Mountains, located between Beverly Hills and Studio City. It's one of LA's best-kept secrets.
What was filmed at Franklin Canyon? Franklin Canyon is famous as the filming location for the opening credits of The Andy Griffith Show. The lake in the park is the iconic fishing hole seen in the show's intro.
Last verified: February 2025. Check the MRCA website (mrca.ca.gov) for current hours and event closures.
