What’s the best thing to see on a hike? A waterfall? A lake? Interesting wildlife? Pretty flowers? Jaw-dropping views?

Well, all of those things can certainly make a hike. But there’s something you can find on a hike in New Jersey that really stands out: the mysterious, overgrown ruins of a once-decadent mansion.

The Van Slyke Castle Loop in Ramapo Mountain State Forest takes hikers directly to fascinating ruins.
John Romanchak/AllTrails
The Van Slyke Castle ruins are easily the best part of the hike.
The good news is this trail is good for beginner and experienced hikers alike.
Rommel M/AllTrails
The loop trail is rated "moderate" on AllTrails, but it's only a little over two miles long.
The trail has a total elevation of 462 feet, so you are treated to some great views.
Joseph Mercado/AllTrails
It's the perfect place to survey the entirety of the Ramapo Mountain State Forest.
You'll also pass a pretty lake and beautiful wildflowers along the way.
Jay Cee/AllTrails
The forest has so many gorgeous suprises!

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But back to those ruins. The Van Slyke Castle was a mansion built to look like a castle in the early 1900s.
George Kushner/AllTrails
It was originally known as Foxcroft, as it was built on Fox Hill.
The castle changed owners over the years, eventually becoming known as Van Slyke Castle. Eventually, it was abandoned.
Soner Ture/AllTrails
The building itself was set on fire by vandals, but much of the ruins still remains.
You can explore the remains of the home, the pool, and the water tower here.
Tanya Marks/AllTrails
It's kind of spooky, but also very beautiful.
The Van Slyke Castle ruins are so much fun to explore and see, making this hike a must-do.
Tanya Marks/AllTrails

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to hike and explore.

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Van Slyke Castle, Wanaque, NJ 07465, USA