Entry No. 83 — the New York City file — filed under: ruins

ORAK Mansion Ruins

Built in 1923 by George Briggs Buchanan, a vice president of the company that manufactured Karo syrup, this estate was named 'ORAK' by spelling the product's name backward. After Buchanan's death in 1939, the property was sold to the park and the mansion was eventually demolished in 1973. Today, hikers can explore the remaining stone gatehouse, retaining walls, and foundations as they are slowly reclaimed by the surrounding forest.

The move: Hike the yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail to photograph the stone gatehouse and foundation ruins, then continue up to the nearby Jackie Jones Fire Tower for panoramic views of the Hudson River and the distant Manhattan skyline.

📍 Before you go The ruins are located directly along the public, yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail within Harriman State Park, making them legally accessible to hikers.

• 📍 Stony Point
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Stony Point, NY 10980, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: hikethehudsonvalley.com · scenesfromthetrail.com

last checked: 2026-07-20