Van Slyke Castle Ruins

Now a part of the Ramapo Mountain State Forest, this castle built in the early 1900s is slowly returning to nature. It was originally named Foxcroft but the widow of the original owner married Warren Van Slyke who then bestowed his surname upon the estate. After more deaths, divorces, and, finally, arson, the once stately castle is now reduced to a few walls, a tower, and a pool cavity. The stone remnants set against the backdrop of the forest provide a haunting and ethereal ambience. There are a few trails, all differing in length. Go to the park's website to print out or view the trail map. No entrance fees and hours are from sunrise to sunset.