For the past couple weeks, I’ve been scouting the Rockland County area, and every time I drive the Palisades  north…

…I notice this strange castle-like structure whiz past out my window:

Clearly the ruins of something, it kept bugging me each time I drove by until finally, I had to stop and figure out what it was.

I found a place to park near the highway and came across a trail that seemed to be leading to the structure…

It took about 15 minutes of walking, and then I saw it through the trees…

A fascinating two story stone castle-like structure set into the hillside overlooking the Hudson…

But what was it? An old fort? I had to get to my first scouting appointment of the day, so I couldn’t stay long. But I snapped a few pictures, and planned to look up more info when I got home.

I’m not sure what I was expecting…But later on, when I found out that this…

…used to be this (line up those four windows for orientation)…

Picture Courtesy NJPalisades.org

I was blown away. And yeah, I had to go back to explore further.

>>>Continue reading “Abandoned on the Palisades: The Ruins of Cliffdale Manor”