New Jersey, known for its beautiful shorelines and bustling cities, also harbors a darker, more mysterious side. Beyond the boardwalks and skyscrapers, the Garden State is a land rich with haunted history and supernatural legends.

For centuries, tales of ghostly apparitions, cursed trees, and malevolent spirits have captivated both locals and visitors alike. These are not just tales for a campfire, they’re part of the fabric of the state’s haunted lore. If you’re brave enough, these haunted locations just might offer you a glimpse into the otherworldly.

1. The Ghost Of Captain Kidd - Sandy Hook

Captain William Kidd, the infamous pirate, is said to have buried treasure along Sandy Hook’s coast. His ghost allegedly haunts the area, guarding his loot. Locals report seeing his spectral figure walking the beaches at night, chains dragging behind him. It’s believed that Captain Kidd’s spirit remains tied to the shores, unwilling to let anyone disturb his hidden fortune.

2. The Devil’s Tree - Bernards Township

In Bernards Township, the Devil’s Tree is a solitary oak standing in an empty field. It’s infamous for its connection to numerous suicides and murders, particularly involving a farmer who, after murdering his family, hanged himself from the tree.

Locals say the tree is cursed. Snow never sticks to the ground around it in winter, and anyone who tries to cut it down reportedly meets an untimely death. The eerie warmth that emanates from the tree, even in winter, is thought to be caused by the spirits trapped within it. The dark history of terrifying murdererslinked to this tree is one of many chilling aspects that adds to its haunting reputation.

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3. The Ghost Of Phyllis Parker - Perth Amboy

Phyllis Parker, a heartbroken woman who died under tragic circumstances, is said to haunt her grave in Perth Amboy. Those who visit her burial site report seeing her ghostly figure wandering in despair.

Many believe her spirit lingers because of the unresolved sadness she carried with her. The grave has become a local legend, and those who approach often leave feeling an overwhelming sense of sorrow.

4. Shippen Manor - Oxford

Built in 1755, Shippen Manor is one of New Jersey's oldest haunted locations. Multiple witnesses have reported sightings of a young boy in period clothing wandering the grounds. Inside the manor, the apparition of a woman’s torso has been spotted rushing through rooms, and a Revolutionary War soldier is said to haunt the property.

Unexplained whispers and doors opening on their own add to the eerie atmosphere of this historical site. Paranormal investigators have frequently visited the manor, hoping to capture evidence of its spectral residents.

5. Clinton Road - West Milford

Clinton Road is notorious for ghost sightings and supernatural events. Travelers driving along this remote stretch in West Milford often report ghostly hitchhikers and phantom headlights. One of the most famous legends involves a young boy who drowned at Dead Man’s Curve.

It’s said that if you throw a coin into the water, the boy’s spirit will return it. The road is also rumored to be a hotspot for strange creatures, including albino wolves and other hybrids, which may have escaped from a defunct local attraction.

Driving down Clinton Road at night is not for the faint-hearted. With its haunted reputation, it’s often compared to some of the most haunted places in New Jersey, making it a destination for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike.

6. The Jersey Devil - Pine Barrens

The Jersey Devil is perhaps New Jersey’s most famous supernatural creature. Born in the Pine Barrens in the 18th century, the Jersey Devil is described as a winged, hooved monster that terrorizes residents of South Jersey.

Over the years, hundreds of people have reported sightings, describing a creature with glowing eyes and an ear-piercing shriek. The Pine Barrens remain one of the most eerie and desolate places in the state, and many believe that the Jersey Devil still roams its vast forests, preying on those who venture too deep into its domain.

7. The Haunted Burlington County Prison - Mount Holly

The Burlington County Prison, operating from 1811 to 1965, is one of the most haunted locations in New Jersey. With its dark history of executions and violent deaths, the prison has become home to numerous spirits. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied screams, phantom footsteps, and eerie voices echoing through the empty corridors.

The basement and the “death cell” are particularly active with paranormal phenomena. Many believe the spirits of inmates who died gruesome deaths during escape attempts still linger within the prison’s stone walls.

8. The Ghost Of Mary Ellis - New Brunswick

Mary Ellis is one of New Jersey’s most famous ghostly figures, with her lonely grave standing amidst a busy parking lot in New Brunswick. According to legend, Ellis spent her life waiting for a lover who never returned.

Her ghost is said to guard her grave, standing watch as if she is still waiting for someone to come back. The grave’s odd location in the middle of modern development only adds to its mystique, and those who visit at night often report a chilling sense of being watched.

9. The Spy House - Port Monmouth

The Spy House, also known as the Seabrook-Wilson House, is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in New Jersey. Built in the 17th century, it served as an inn during the Revolutionary War, where British soldiers were spied upon by local patriots.

Today, visitors report seeing ghostly figures in colonial attire, including a bearded sea captain who roams the house. A crying woman is also said to search the halls for her lost child. The basement is particularly feared, where disembodied screams are sometimes heard.

10. Shades Of Death Road - Warren County

Winding through Jenny Jump State Forest, Shades of Death Road lives up to its grim name. The road is surrounded by dark legends, from highwaymen who ambushed travelers to spirits of the dead hanging from the trees.

One of the spookiest spots is Ghost Lake, where visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures rising from the water in the early morning mist. The entire area is steeped in an unsettling atmosphere, making it one of the most haunted places in the state.

11. The Phantom Of The Hindenburg - Lakehurst

The Hindenburg disaster of 1937 shocked the world when the massive airship exploded upon landing in Lakehurst. More than 30 people lost their lives in the tragedy, and some say their spirits remain at the site.

Witnesses have reported hearing strange sounds, such as the moans of the victims or the crackling of the fire that consumed the Hindenburg. Ghostly figures are occasionally seen near the hangar where the disaster occurred, adding an eerie presence to the historic location.

12. The Devil’s Tower - Alpine

Built in 1910, the Devil’s Tower in Alpine has a tragic history. It was constructed by Manuel Rionda for his wife, but when she saw him with another woman, she leapt from the tower to her death. Visitors today claim to feel an invisible force pushing them when near the tower, and some report hearing disembodied screams.

Legend has it that if you circle the tower in reverse six times, you may summon the Devil himself. The tower’s ominous presence continues to draw curious visitors seeking a brush with the paranormal.

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FAQs

Are The Ghosts Of New Jersey Widely Believed By Locals?

Many locals embrace the ghost stories as part of New Jersey’s rich history and folklore, even if not everyone fully believes in the supernatural.

Has Paranormal Activity In New Jersey Been Scientifically Investigated?

Paranormal investigators frequently explore sites like the Burlington County Prison and Shippen Manor. While they’ve captured unexplained phenomena, no scientific conclusions have been reached.

What Is The Most Haunted Place In New Jersey?

Opinions vary, but locations like the Devil’s Tower, the Spy House, and Shades of Death Road are considered some of the most haunted spots in the state.

Can I Visit These Haunted Locations?

Many of these places, such as the Burlington County Prison and the Spy House, are open to the public. However, others, like Shades of Death Road, are in more remote areas, so it’s best to check accessibility before visiting.

What Should I Do If I Encounter A Ghost In New Jersey?

Stay calm and observe from a distance. Many people attempt to capture evidence of their encounter, but it’s important to remember that these experiences can be unpredictable.

Final Thoughts On The 12 Ghosts Of New Jersey

New Jersey’s haunted history is as diverse as the state itself. These ghosts are more than just stories, they represent the lasting impact of the past on the present, a reminder that the events of history often leave echoes that resonate through time.

With reports of ghost sightings, disembodied voices, and strange occurrences continuing to this day, it’s clear that these spirits aren’t ready to fade from memory. But beware, once you open the door to the paranormal, you might not be able to close it again.