Hike to Ramapo Lake and the Van Slyke Castle
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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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Short And Rewarding
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.
5.0
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