Haunted Places: The Ghost Stories of New Jersey
New Jersey, the Garden State, is known for its stunning parks and beautiful beaches. But beneath its natural beauty lies a darker side. The ghost stories of New Jersey are home to a plethora of haunted places, where tales of murder, mayhem, and paranormal activity abound. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ten most haunted places in New Jersey, revealing the ghostly secrets that lurk within.
Devil’s Tower, Alpine
Hidden away in the affluent neighborhood of Alpine, Devil’s Tower stands as a hidden gem for fans of the paranormal. This magnificent tower was built by plantation owner Manuel Rionda as a gift for his wife, who desired a panoramic view of New York City. However, tragedy struck when Rionda’s wife discovered her husband’s infidelity and threw herself from the tower. Since then, the tower has been plagued by mysterious deaths and strange occurrences. Visitors have reported hearing odd noises and screams emanating from inside the tower, and some have even claimed to witness a ghastly apparition after circling the tower six times.
Burlington County Prison, Mount Holly
Once a functioning prison, the Burlington County Prison in Mount Holly now serves as a museum. However, its dark past still haunts the halls. The prison witnessed numerous executions and acts of violence, leaving a stain on the building. Visitors and workers have reported disembodied screams, cold spots, and a feeling of being watched. Construction workers have even claimed that their tools have been mysteriously moved around. The basement and the infamous ‘death cell’ are said to be the most active areas, where paranormal activity is at its peak.
Lambertville High School, Lambertville
Lambertville High School, like many old schools, has its fair share of ghostly tales. The tragic legend associated with this abandoned school dates back to 1935 when a young boy died during an annual Thanksgiving football game. His spirit is said to have haunted the school ever since. Stories circulated among local teens about a ghostly figure appearing in the school. One night, rowdy teenagers made fun of the dead boy and issued him a challenge. Allegedly, two of the boys died under mysterious circumstances that same night. Although the school was demolished in 2012, visitors to the site have reported experiencing cold spots and a general sense of uneasiness. Some have even claimed to have seen the apparition of the boy himself.
Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, Parsippany
Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, formerly known as New Jersey Lunatic Asylum, opened its doors in 1876. This imposing 675,000 square foot building was intended to house hundreds of patients, but it eventually became overcrowded with over 7,500 patients. The hospital’s dark history includes allegations of torture and unethical medical procedures. One famous patient, songwriter Woody Guthrie, was admitted in the 1950s for the treatment of Huntington’s disease. The abandoned hospital was demolished, but it’s memory stands as a haunting reminder of the suffering endured by its patients.
The Pine Barrens, South Jersey
The Pine Barrens, a vast wilderness spanning seven counties in South Jersey, is not only known for its natural beauty but also its paranormal activity. This expansive area is believed to be the stomping ground of the famous Jersey Devil. According to legend, the Jersey Devil is the cursed offspring of Mrs. Leeds, a resident of the Pine Barrens. Described as a creature with the body of a kangaroo and the face of a horse, the Jersey Devil is said to terrorize the area. Visitors to the Pine Barrens have reported eerie encounters, strange lights, and unsettling sensations, making it one of the most haunted places in New Jersey.
Shades of Death Road, Warren County
With a name like Shades of Death Road, it’s no wonder this spooky spot is a magnet for thrill-seekers. Located in Warren County, this road has a dark history of murder, Native American hangings, and stagecoach robberies gone wrong. Travelers who venture down this road after dark have reported seeing strange lights and apparitions of those who met their untimely demise. The road’s ominous name and chilling history make it a must-visit for those seeking a spine-tingling experience.
The Devil’s Tree, Bernards Township
While haunted houses and asylums often come to mind when thinking of spooky places, one of the most haunted locations in New Jersey is actually a tree – The Devil’s Tree. Located in Bernards Township, this gnarled oak tree has a dark and disturbing history. Legend has it that the tree was used for lynchings by the KKK and that a man once murdered his family before hanging himself from its branches. Locals believe that the tree is cursed, and anyone who disrespects it or defaces it will face dire consequences. The tree itself is said to be warm to the touch, even in the dead of winter, and snow is said to melt instantly when it falls on and around the tree.
The Gates of Hell, Clifton
The Gates of Hell, located in Clifton, is a network of tunnels and storm drains that have gained a reputation for being a portal to the underworld. While the existence of an actual Hell Mouth is up for debate, the area is known for its eerie and dangerous atmosphere. Visitors have reported finding animal bones, hearing strange whispers, and even encountering a spirit known as Red Eyed Mike, who is said to guard the gateway to Hell. However, it is advised to exercise caution when exploring this area, as it is known to flood rapidly with foul-smelling water.
Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, Trenton
Psychiatric hospitals often have a reputation for being haunted, and is no exception. The hospital’s dark past is marred by allegations of torture and unethical medical practices. Dr. Henry Cotton, the hospital’s director, believed that he could cure mental illness by removing organs and often performed experimental procedures without anesthesia. Many patients died under his care, leaving their spirits trapped within the hospital. Visitors have reported hearing screams and witnessing shadow figures, a haunting reminder of the hospital’s troubled history.
Clinton Road, West Milford
Clinton Road, located in West Milford, is notorious for being one of the most haunted roads in America. This desolate ten-mile stretch of road is shrouded in mystery and has been the subject of numerous paranormal accounts. Visitors have reported witnessing strange lights, hearing disembodid laughter, and even encountering the ghost of a young boy under a bridge. The most famous legend associated with Clinton Road is the Ghost Boy, who is said to throw back coins that are thrown into the stream beneath the bridge. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, a drive down Clinton Road is sure to leave you with an eerie feeling.
PLAN A VISIT TO NEW JERSEY
New Jersey is a state rich in haunted history and ghostly tales. From the Devil’s Tower to the infamous Clinton Road, these haunted places offer a glimpse into the darker side of the Garden State. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or simply seeking a thrill, these locations are sure to send shivers down your spine. So, if you’re brave enough, venture into the haunted corners of New Jersey and uncover the ghostly secrets that lie within. Just remember to proceed with caution, as you never know what you might encounter in the realm of the supernatural.