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Hike to Ramapo Lake and the Van Slyke Castle

Oakland, New Jersey

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Description

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Distance: 4.2 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain: 850 ft. Explore the area along the Rampo Lake shoreline. Steep climb to the historic Van Slyke Castle.

Begin at the MacEvoy Trailhead (blue blazes), at the end of the parking lot. A moderate uphill climb and stream crossing will take you up towards Ramapo Lake. Following the blazes, take two left turns, then a right, as the trail approaches the shoreline. Feel free to explore the area along the lake, or take the short loop around the water. When you reach the end of the lake, take a right away from the water, still on MacEvoy Trail, to continue on to the Van Slyke Castle.

About 1 mile in, switch onto Castle Point Trail (white blazes). The trail begins a steep climb to the castle ruins. The trail will circle around the ruins, then turn left towards another viewpoint, marked by an old stone water tower. Drink in the views, then head back the way you came.

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Features

Hiking
Forest
Lake
Scenic

Reviews

Amazing scenery and easy until the White trail which is pretty steep. Loop took 2.5 hours while spending a lot of that time at the castle ruins.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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