The Hidden Castle in New Jersey That Almost No One Knows About
New Jersey has a handful of castles and some are even open to the public; Lambert Castle in Paterson is a personal favorite. The magnificent estate now serves as a museum, offering period rooms, art, and historic artifacts. It also houses one of the largest spoon collections in the world! The building is quite impressive but if you prefer something a bit more hidden (and a bit more modest) you can take a scenic hike to the Women’s Federation Monument.
It was officially dedicated in 1929 and built to honor the major role the New Jersey Federation of Women’s Clubs played in preserving the picturesque Palisades Cliffs. Following the Civil War, they were in grave danger of being destroyed by quarrying. In 1894, the New Jersey Federation of Women’s Clubs joined with other groups to fight for legislation to protect the cliffs; they were successful! In 1900, an interstate park commission was founded to acquire land along the Palisades to preserve the cliffs and shorefront. The federation then helped with fundraising for this project and the cliffs were saved, for all to enjoy.
You'll have to hike to get here but in the end, you'll be rewarded with beautiful views of the cliffside and Hudson River. You can even climb the stairs to the castle's roof for a one-of-a-kind experience. Bring your camera, because there are plenty of photo-ops.
You'll need to hike to get to the castle but the trails are manageable. Your first option is .3 miles long. There's parking alongside the road and you'll need to cross a bridge. Another choice is parking by the State Line Lookout (great views!) and taking the Long Path to the Forest View Trail. This hike is about .6 miles and would be my pick.
For a quick peek, check out this short video:
If you’re not much of a hiker or want to wait for warmer weather to make this journey, you can score similar views right now from the spectacular State Line Lookout Cafe. It also has a little gift/bookshop! Check that out by clicking here.
