Castle Ruin Hike

Join us on this easy/moderate hike to the majestic ruins of Van Slyke Castle. The ruins sit just 350 feet above the 120-acre Ramapo Lake, formed over 12,000 years ago by a receding glacier.

Begin your trek through Ringwood State Park, located in the heart of the Ramapo Mountains. The park boasts almost 5,000 acres of protected land with hundreds of miles of hiking trails as well as ponds, streams and marshes, which provide perfect habitat for a variety of birds and other wildlife.

The original Van Slyke Castle, known as “Foxcroft,” was built around the turn of the last century and abandoned in the 1950’s after a bitter divorce left the home unused. Eventually vandals broke in and torched the estate in 1959. Since its destruction, the ruins have been open for curious visitors to explore and imagine the elegant structure that once stood. The stone walls, fireplaces and foundations that still stand are now overgrown with english ivy, honeysuckle and other emerging vines.

After exploring the castle, stop for a picnic at a nearby overlook, where on a clear day you may be able to spot the Manhattan skyline. The return route is filled with narrow trails and old carriage roads that roll over the landscape in changing elevations.

 

Event Intensity Level

This hike is Intensity Level 2-3. Read a full description of all levels.

Event Details

• Bring Lunch and 2 liters water (minimum per person)
• Wear Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, sunscreen, hat, swimsuit underneath if you care to swim
• Departure time 9:00 AM. Please arrive at 8:45 AM for check-in. Please check weekend subway schedules! Our trips leave on time.
• Departure Location Our passenger vans depart from the NE corner of 73rd Street and Broadway—meet in front of Apple Bank (Subways to 72nd Street: 1,2,3)
• Return Time Approximately 6:00 PM

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Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides

From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.

Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.

Diverse & Interesting Groups

There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.

New Experiences

Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.

Environmental Awareness

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.