The hike for this article was under two hours, up and down. Our original directions were slightly vague, so hopefully the description that follows will allow newbie’s to spend more time enjoying the hike itself. There are different ways of getting up to the ruins, some easier, some longer, but this hike is of moderate difficulty with the first couple of hundred yards being some of the more difficult areas, and the end portion having an option of easier and longer, or shorter and more difficult. To follow this particular route, park at the first parking lot you pass on your left as you head up Skyline Drive from Oakland towards Ringwood.
This is the MacEvoy Trail and it is blue blazed. Simply follow the blue markers. As mentioned, the beginning has some rocky sections that do not require skill, but certainly a sober steadiness. The trail after that lends itself to letting your thoughts wander and you can daydream some as you continue following the blue markers. There are some stepping stones you need to use to get over a very shallow stream. The shaded woods make for good hiking, keeping the sun off and a sense of shelter as you take in the fauna or some white water splashing over rocks along the way. Adventures for Women helps maintain this trail. Dagi Murphy of Oakland is a trustee for AFW, and you can learn more about this organization, their activities and schedules, by visiting AdventuresForWomen.org.
Following the blue trail, you will come to a narrow road. To get to the Ruins, you need to go left, down hill. As a side note, you can go right and walk up the road which will bring you past some private homes, one of them being what is known as the MacEvoy Estate. But for this hike, when you reach this road, go left towards
the lake and follow the road. You will pass another private home inhabited by friendly natives who offered directions to this passerby. Walk along the lake till you come to a fork in the road, and here you will stay right- heading back up the mountain. This road will eventually lead you to The Castle, or you can take the White Trail. It has the white markers on a path leading up the hill. The White Trail is shorter, but it’s a bit steep. Making the decision is something akin to taking a band aid off, do you want it fast or slow.
In an effort to stay on schedule, the choice for this hike was the shortcut. It’s not a very difficult climb, but it is steep and more strenuous than the genial path along the road which residents of The Castle most likely took. Just follow one or the other and you will be in The Castle Ruins. Enjoy the views and treat yourself to a drink and a snack.
It’s difficult to get a sense of the building since the grounds around it are very over grown, but you can explore different parts and figure out where the main living and entertaining areas would have been. The windows and doors give some clues as do the direction where the best views would have been.
Walking around the general area, you can get some great vistas, even on a cloudy day.
To The Editor of The Oakland Journal —-
Thank you for a great story about Oakland’s version of Paterson’s Lambert Castle. Though I’ve lived in Oakland many, many years, I never realized that such a beautiful spot exists in our hometown area. I have notified some hiker friends about this place.
Thanks for giving me a history of the Castle. I have hiked up to it many times and knew a little bit about its history. The hike is a lot of fun and the view from the top is spectacular. On a clear day, you can see NYC. Bring water and a snack to eat. Watch out for poison ivy. It is everywhere up there. It has 3 leaves. Don’t touch it. Put on insect repellent and stay out of the brush due to ticks and poison ivy. If you see a bear, make noise so he sees you and hopefully runs the other way.
I had no idea the Oakland Journal existed until right this minute… I’m glad I found it.
This is a fantastic hike, and one I have done weekly during summers in the past. The spring is a great time to go, as there are lilacs and lily of the valley run wild (you can smell them from halfway up if the wind is right), as is the fall, since you have the beautiful valley views, which autumn foliage makes even more stunning.
I have almost always taken the short cut, since walking the road feels like it takes forever (though I find it a nice change of pace sometimes). I have never found a bear on this hike, though I have heard about them being spotted up there.
Now, off to read the history!