New Jersey is a haven for fans of the eerie, haunted, and downright bizarre. Here are ten must-see destinations for anyone who loves the macabre and creepy:
1. Shades of Death Road (Warren County)
A 6.7-mile stretch infamous for its chilling name and dark legends. Tales of murder, highwaymen, and ghostly apparitions abound, especially near the adjacent Ghost Lake and Fairy Cave. The road’s thick tree canopy and local folklore make it one of the most haunted roads in America.
2. The Devil’s Tree (Bernards Township)
This solitary oak is shrouded in sinister legends. Said to be cursed, the tree is linked to stories of lynchings, suicides, and supernatural retribution for anyone who tries to harm it. Even in winter, snow reportedly refuses to fall around its base, and some claim it’s a portal to hell.
3. Clinton Road (West Milford)
A 10-mile road notorious for paranormal activity, including ghostly children, phantom vehicles, and tales of cult rituals. The bridge over Clinton Brook is said to be haunted by a boy who returns coins tossed into the water. The area is also linked to real-life crime and chilling urban legends.
4. Burlington County Prison Museum (Mount Holly)
Operating from 1811 to 1965, this prison is now a museum and a hotspot for ghost hunters. Visitors report cold spots, disembodied voices, and sightings of spectral figures, especially in the basement and the infamous “death cell”.
5. Ong’s Hat (Pine Barrens, Burlington County)
A ghost town at the heart of one of New Jersey’s strangest conspiracy theories. Legends claim it’s the site of secret experiments and a portal to another dimension, drawing curiosity-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts from around the world.
6. The Pine Barrens
This vast forest is home to the legendary Jersey Devil, a winged creature said to haunt the woods. The Pine Barrens are also filled with abandoned villages, mysterious lights, and countless ghost stories, making it a magnet for those seeking the supernatural.
7. The Spy House (Port Monmouth)
Dating back to the 1600s, this historic house is rumored to be haunted by Revolutionary War soldiers, a ghostly child, and an elderly man. Visitors report strange sounds, phantom footsteps, and eerie apparitions.
8. Abandoned Silos (Toms River)
Hidden in the woods, these mysterious silos are a favorite for urban explorers. Their origins are unclear, but their isolated, decaying presence and local rumors of hauntings make them a creepy destination.
9. Shippen Manor (Oxford)
A historic estate with a reputation for ghostly activity. Witnesses have reported seeing a young boy in period clothing, a headless woman, and a Revolutionary War soldier. The manor’s haunted history has even been featured on paranormal TV shows.
10. Ong’s Hat (Burlington County)
A second mention for this ghost town, as its blend of real history and bizarre legend—ranging from time travel to disappearances—makes it one of the most mysterious places in the state.
Honorable Mentions:
The Watcher House (Westfield): Site of the infamous “Watcher” letters, which terrified a family and inspired urban legends.
Devil’s Tower (Alpine): A stone tower with tales of ghostly apparitions and tragic deaths.
Brighton Asylum (Passaic): A haunted attraction set in a former industrial complex, known for its immersive scares.
Whether you’re a ghost hunter, urban explorer, or just love a good scare, New Jersey’s macabre sites offer plenty of chills and mysteries to uncover.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shades_of_Death_Road
- https://weirdnj.com/stories/shades-of-death-road/
- https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/4361-shades-of-death-road.html