New Jersey is home to abandoned mills and mining towns, located all over the state. You'll find what's left of once thriving communities like Feltville (a mill town, farming community and later a summer resort) and Harrisville (best known for paper production) but finding castle ruins is a bit more rare in the Garden State. I've covered Cliff Dale Manor before but I've discovered a new site to explore.

Van Slyke Castle was built in the early 1900s.

It originally served as the estate of wealthy stockbroker William Porter and his wife Ruth. At the time, it was named Foxcroft, as it was located atop Fox Hill.

The original owner passed away in a tragic accident.

William died in a car crash in 1911 while his wife was on vacation. She later married a prominent attorney, Warren Van Slyke. This is where the castle's current name comes from.

The estate transitioned into a summer home.

Though Ruth remained there full time after Warren's passing in 1925. When she passed away in 1940, the home was left abandoned for nine years.

After being empty for almost a decade, the home was purchased by an affluent couple.

After two years, they sold the home to Suzanne S. Christie who quickly abandoned it again. No one knows why. Was it haunted? Probably not. Most speculate that it had to do with a tumultuous divorce.

The castle was abandoned yet again and was eventually destroyed by vandals.

Much of the castle burned but exterior walls, a water tower and pool still remain, all of which are pictured above. The first photo in the article is the water tower, the second is an exterior wall and the third photo is what remains of the pool. Directly above this text, you'll notice a fireplace.

The views from the castle, and along the trail to get there, are spectacular.

The ruins are accessible via a moderate trail. From the parking area nearest the Hoeferlin Memorial, you'll take the White Trail. There are several scenic viewpoints along the way. To get to the water tower, you'll pick up the Yellow Trail.

To take a peek at what you'll see, or to enjoy the ruins without a hike, check out the video below by YouTube user, Matthew L Andzel:

The Van Slyke Castle ruins can be found in Ramapo State Forest, located in Bergen and Passaic Counties. For additional details visit NJHiking.com or check out the Ramapo State Forest Trail Map. Expect around two miles of hiking to see the castle and under five (with some areas of steep terrain) to see both the castle and water tower.