Hike! Castle?

Bring water! bring a snack!

Location: Ramapo Mountain State
Distance from Lower Lot: ~4.3 miles round-trip
~700-900 ft elevation gain. Rocky sections, but mostly well-marked.

Directions to the Lower Lot
From I-287 North, take Exit 57 toward Skyline Drive.
Turn left onto Skyline Drive and drive ~1 mile.
The Lower Lot is a small dirt/gravel pull-off on the left (before the Upper Lot). GPS: 41.057°N, 74.270°W or "Ramapo Mountain State Forest Lower Parking."
It's limited (10-15 cars), so arrive early on weekends. If full, use the Upper Lot (0.6 miles uphill) and adjust the route.
No restrooms or water at the lot—bring your own.
Trail Directions (Castle Loop via Ramapo Lake Spur)
Download the free NY-NJ Trail Conference Map #115 or use AllTrails for offline navigation. Trails are blazed (color-coded markers on trees/rocks).
Start at the Lower Lot (0.0 mi): Head west from the back of the lot onto the blue-blazed Ramapo Lake Spur Trail (also marked black-on-blue squares). It's a gentle uphill woods road along a stream—shady and peaceful.
Reach the Castle Loop Junction (0.6 mi): After ~20-30 minutes, you'll hit the white-blazed Castle Loop Trail near Ramapo Lake. Turn right (north) onto the white trail for the clockwise loop (easiest for the ruins).
Hike the Castle Loop (0.6-3.7 mi total):
Follow white blazes uphill through forest. Pass wetlands and boardwalks.
At ~1.5 mi: Reach an overlook with views of Ramapo Lake and the Wyanokie Mountains.
At ~2.0 mi: Arrive at the Van Slyke Castle ruins—explore the 2-story stone walls, arched doorways, and collapsed rooms (stay on paths; it's unstable). The pool and water tower are ~0.2 mi further (optional detour).
Continue the loop: Descend past more overlooks, skirting the lake's east side. Watch for deer or birds.
Return via Spur (3.7-4.3 mi): Back at the junction, retrace the blue spur downhill to the Lower Lot.

DISCLAIMER:
If you join us for this event, please understand that you are responsible for your own (and your guests) preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Event Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injury, mishap or any other situation that may happen at this event. You are responsible to research this event, know the area and bring the proper gear. Your attendance to this event signifies that you have read and accepted the terms of this liability waiver.