Franklin Canyon Reservoir

Located right in the geological center of Los Angeles is Franklin Canyon Park, Franklin Canyon Park's main feature is Franklin Canyon Reservoir. Possibly one of the famous lakes on TV, the Franklin Canyon Reservoir, also dubbed the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir, is located within the Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills of Los Angeles.

Hike a one-mile loop around Franklin Canyon Reservoir, or make it a 1.5-mile, by starting at Ranch Trail. Several trails branch away from the lake, making it easy to extend your hike. This iconic trail goes to the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir where the opening credits of the Andy Griffith show were filmed and also includes Heavenly Pond.

Located between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley, Franklin Canyon Park's 605 acres of land have something for everyone. Within the park, boundaries are chaparral, grasslands, and oak woodlands, a three-acre lake, a duck pond, beautiful picnic grounds, and just over five miles of hiking trails. Though not officially designated as parkland until 1981, the origins of the park as we know it today began in 1914. The 1914 construction of this reservoir was overseen by water mogul William Mulholland. The new Franklin Canyon Park, made up of about eleven acres, was opened to the public in 1981. Franklin Canyon Park feels a little more like wilderness than most of the other parks in the Hollywood Hills. Its three main trails - Discovery, Berman, and Hastain - are great for novice to intermediate hikers.

Film
Franklin Canyon has been a cinematic treasure trove, hosting a myriad of legendary films across various genres. From the iconic hitch-hiking scene in "It Happened One Night" (1934) and the eerie waters of "Creature from the Black Lagoon" (1954) to the serene backdrop of "On Golden Pond" (1981) and the action-packed landscapes of "Rambo: First Blood Part II" (1985), the park's versatility shines. It has also contributed to the cultural tapestry with the musical drama "Purple Rain" (1984), the war film "Platoon" (1986), and the family comedy "Big Momma's House" (2000). The park's timeless allure has attracted an array of productions, making it a captivating setting for film history.

Television
Franklin Canyon Park's enchanting landscapes have not only graced the big screen but have also become a beloved backdrop for television productions. From classic series like "The Andy Griffith Show," with its nostalgic fishing hole, to timeless dramas like "Dynasty," the park's greenery has provided a versatile canvas. It has also set the stage for gripping mysteries in "Murder She Wrote" and futuristic tales in "Star Trek," showcasing its adaptability across genres. Whether in the family-friendly world of "The Waltons" or the suspenseful atmosphere of "American Horror Story: 1984," Franklin Canyon Park continues to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of television storytelling.