Location:

Status: Historical

After I graduated from high school, I remember a few friends of mine talking about a place called “Garrett Mountain” and their adventures of hiking up there late at night to a castle. I won’t lie–it sounded awesome to me and I was jealous that they never asked me to go with them. Since Stu from The Wanderer told me of ghost stories that he’d heard about the castle and observation tower that stand high up on Garrett Mountain and expressed interest in checking it out, we decided to merge parties and make a trip. I was happy that I’d finally get my chance to go in spite of all my mean friends.

And so, myself and swytchbhakk along with Stu, John, Nad, and Annie from The Wanderer ventured out into the pouring rain to Garrett Mountain. We investigated the observation tower first. It resembled a castle tower and was almost impressive in some ways, except it was bolted shut and unopen to visitors. When it started to fall into disrepair, they stopped allowing people to go into it. But then again, I really wasn’t too excited about the view overlooking Paterson anyway.

Next, we checked out the castle that was just below the observation tower. There really isn’t much I can say about it–it was just a structure resembling a small castle and it was converted into a museum. Nothing too exciting there, I’m afraid.

Since it was raining hard, we didn’t have a chance to explore the woods and try to find the abandoned building that is said to be somewhere on the park grounds. Perhaps one day we’ll go back and look for it. Maybe we’ll even run into some strange creatures with red eyes that are said to be seen in the woods.

Overall, Garrett Mountain wasn’t anything impressive. Even the friends who used to sneak up there at night admit the same now. I guess I didn’t miss much after all.

For a history of the observation tower and castle, go to the official Lambert Castle site.

- Ember, 2004