Ramapo Mountain State Forest

Moderate hike

For our annual fall hike, my husband and I did the Van Slyke Castle Loop trail, which All Trails lists as moderate and I would say that it's pretty accurate. It starts off as a nice, flat trail. The a...

A variety of hikes at your disposal

Get to the parking lot very early or very late as it can become traffic jam. We went at likely the most ideal time of year when the whether was still hot, but the leaves were starting to change. Th...

On a sunny cold Frbruary day

The “Yellow and Cannonball” trail loop - very nice first half, climbing west and north to the beautiful views of the lakes and mountain ranges from the mountain-top rim. Views onto the lakes continue ...

Beautiful views, cool old castle and serene lake

Love it here. Used to hike to the castle years ago but brought my sister, 12 year old son and 2 nephews today for a hike. We started at the lower lot and took the blue along the lake, through a beauti...

Afternoon Hike

I've driven past the parking lots for years, and finally got together with friends for an afternoon hike. From the upper lot on Skyline drive we were able to get to the Van Slyke ruins and the water...