When it comes to halloween haunts, there’s no reason to pay an arm and a leg at an attraction with paid actors when you can get the real thing, almost.
Here are five ways to spend a free weekend enjoying Halloween in New Jersey.
1. The Legend of the Jersey Devil
One of New Jersey’s most enduring and spine-chilling legends is that of the Jersey Devil, said to haunt the Pine Barrens since the 18th century. Described as a winged creature with hooves, a horse-like face, and piercing red eyes, the Jersey Devil has been a source of fear and fascination for generations. Sightings and eerie tales often gain traction during Halloween, as thrill-seekers and curious visitors venture into the shadowy woods to catch a glimpse of this elusive monster.
2. Abandoned Asylums and Haunting Grounds
New Jersey is home to several long-abandoned and notoriously haunted locations, including the Essex County Hospital Center and the Overbrook Asylum. These deserted sites are said to be rife with paranormal activity, with ghost hunters claiming to hear disembodied voices, footsteps, and other unsettling phenomena. Halloween is the peak time for ghost tours and paranormal investigations, amplifying the creepy atmosphere and stories of restless spirits.
3. Shades of Death Road
A stretch of road in Warren County, New Jersey, with an infamously sinister name, Shades of Death Road lives up to its eerie reputation. This winding and darkened road is linked to legends of highway robberies, ghost sightings, and mysterious figures lurking in the mist. Whether or not you believe in its supernatural lore, driving down Shades of Death Road on a foggy Halloween night is enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck.
4. The Ghosts of Historic Cemeteries
New Jersey’s historic cemeteries, such as the 300-year-old Old Tennent Church Graveyard and the Colonial-era Princeton Cemetery, are said to be hotspots for ghost sightings. These resting places carry tales of revolutionary soldiers, colonial residents, and mournful spirits. Around Halloween, these cemeteries become a focal point for ghost walks and eerie storytelling sessions, making them an unnerving yet captivating experience for locals and visitors alike.
5. Abandoned Villages of the Pine Barrens
Beyond the lore of the Jersey Devil, the Pine Barrens holds secrets in its abandoned villages like Batsto Village and Ong’s Hat. These ghost towns are shrouded in mystery, with ruins of old mills, taverns, and homesteads seemingly frozen in time. Venturing into the Pine Barrens at night during Halloween can feel like stepping into a horror movie, with the isolation, thick forest canopy, and unsettling quietness making it easy to imagine what might be lurking in the darkness.
