Beyond the Devil: The 14 Most Haunted Places in New Jersey

The 14 most haunted places in New Jersey are scarier than a traffic jam on the Turnpike at rush hour! From the depths of the Pine Barrens to haunted lighthouses standing watch over the Atlantic, New Jersey’s supernatural scene is poppin’. 

These are the 14 most haunted places in New Jersey:

The Devil’s Tree 

Bernards Township

The Devil’s Tree is an old oak tree with some dead branches, standing alone in a field on Mountain Road in Martinsville, Bernards Township, New Jersey. It’s across from a housing development and has gained a reputation for being cursed. Local stories warn that anyone who damages or disrespects the tree (think urinating on it or making rude remarks about it) will get bad luck in the form of a car accident or a major vehicle breakdown.

Here are some of the most well-known legends about the Devil’s Tree:

• KKK: The area was supposedly a Ku Klux Klan hub in Colonial times, and the tree was used for lynching slaves.
• The Farmer: A farmer is said to have hanged himself from the tree after killing his family, and anyone who tries to cut it down is believed to meet an untimely death.
• The Ford: Visitors who get too close might be chased by a black Ford pickup truck that vanishes at a certain point.
• No Snow: Even in the middle of winter, the ground beneath the tree is said to stay snow-free, no matter how much it has fallen.
• Head Rock: Nearby, a formation called Heat Rock, and sometimes the tree itself, are said to be warm to the touch, no matter the season, and allegedly a portal to Hell.

The township considered removing the tree when planning to develop the area but instead chose to protect it. In 2007, a sign was put up at the site, and the tree was later fenced off to prevent further vandalism.

The Seabrook–Wilson House/ Spy House 

Port Monmouth

Often cited as the most haunted house in America, The Seabrook-Wilson House, also known as the Spy House, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Port Monmouth, New Jersey. Built around 1650, it started as a one-room cabin for Thomas Whitlock and his family. Over time, it was expanded, and by the Revolutionary War, it was a tavern.

The tavern became a favorite spot for British troops to plan their attacks during the war. Secretly, the tavern’s owner shared their plans with colonial forces, earning the nickname “Spy House.”

The Seabook-Wilson House is home to many hauntings:

• The White Lady: The spirit of a woman who died in the 18th century. She’s often seen wandering the halls and is considered a protective presence, watching over the house and its visitors.
• A Ghostly Dog: Believed to have belonged to a murdered former owner, the dog is said to roam the property, barking as if searching for its master.
• Captain Morgan: The infamous pirate reportedly used the house’s basement to hide treasure and commit crimes. His ghost has been spotted threatening visitors, including children, near the museum. Specific accounts detail him spewing profanity at those who encounter him.
• Child Spirits: Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported seeing the apparitions of children in the house. These spirits are described as playful or mischievous, and people have reported hearing laughter or footsteps in empty rooms.
• Unidentified Revolutionary War Soldiers: Since the house played a role during the Revolutionary War, some have seen ghostly soldiers in the area, possibly tied to the house’s history as a tavern frequented by troops.
• Mysterious Music and Voices: Several reports describe the sounds of faint music, singing, or whispered conversations that seem to come from nowhere. These sounds are sometimes linked to the house’s time as a bustling tavern. They are believed to be echoes of the house’s lively past as a bustling tavern. These sounds are thought to be residual hauntings, replaying the gatherings and secret meetings that once took place within its walls.
• The Tavern Keeper’s Ghost: Some believe the original tavern keeper himself may still linger, keeping an eye on the property where he once played a key role in the Revolutionary War.

These hauntings, along with the house’s Revolutionary War history, make The Spy House a must-visit spot for anyone interested in the most haunted places in New Jersey.

The Burlington County Prison Museum 

Mount Holly

The Burlington County Prison Museum in Mount Holly is a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1811 and designed by Robert Mills, it was one of his earliest designs. Its poured concrete and brick construction made it nearly fireproof, allowing it to stay in use until 1965. Today, the building is a museum, but its history has left behind more than just architecture.

Visitors can explore artifacts from the prison’s history, original inmate graffiti on the walls, and exhibits detailing the lives of those who lived and worked here.

The prison was active for over 150 years. Under state law in the 19th century, executions for capital crimes had to occur in the same county where the crime took place. That meant several prisoners were hung on-site, and a few guards were killed during escape attempts.

Paranormal Activity at the Prison:

• Tall Male Spirit: A ghostly figure, described as a tall man in uniform, has been seen walking around the basement.
• The Third Floor: Visitors and investigators often experience strange occurrences on the third floor, including unexplained malfunctions of electronic equipment.
• The Death Row Cell (or Dungeon): This cell is considered one of the most haunted spots in the prison. The most infamous haunting is that of Joel Clough, a prisoner who was held there brutally stabbing his girlfriend. After escaping and being recaptured, he was hanged in 1833. Guards and inmates reported hearing moaning, chains rattling, and seeing objects levitating in the cell. A metal ring in the floor, used to chain prisoners, is believed to be a focal point for Joel’s lingering spirit.
• The Maximum-Security Cell: Also known as the dungeon, this cell was designed to prevent escape and minimize communication with other inmates. It had no fireplace, a single small window placed high on the wall, and niches for guards to keep constant watch. 

Pine Barrens 

Southern New Jersey

The Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey is a massive, heavily wooded area spanning over 1.1 million acres. Despite being wedged between the big cities of New York and Philadelphia, this preserved stretch of forest is mostly rural, filled with abandoned villages, ghost towns, and ruins from former mill and mining settlements. 

With a history rich in mystery and legend, the Pine Barrens is frequently named one of the most haunted places in New Jersey. The story of the Jersey Devil stands out as the most famous. According to legend, the Jersey Devil was born in 1735 as the unlucky 13th child of Deborah Leeds of Estellville. 

Overwhelmed by the prospect of another child, Deborah allegedly yelled, “Let it be the devil!” When the baby was born, it transformed into a horrifying creature with wings, hooves, a horse-like head, claws, a forked tail, and a chilling scream. The creature unfolded its wings, screeched, and flew out of the window into the swamp.

Reports of the Jersey Devil date back to 1820, when Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother, claimed to have seen it on his Bordentown estate. The legend grew in the 1840s and 1920s, as the Jersey Devil was blamed for mysterious livestock deaths across South Jersey. 

In January 1909, widespread panic broke out after tons of sightings and attacks came from towns like Haddon Heights and Camden. Newspaper coverage escalated the hysteria, leading to school closures and a $10,000 bounty for the capture of the creature.

The Pine Barrens have captivated the imagination of visitors for generations as one of the most haunted places in New Jersey.

Emlen Physick Estate 

Cape May

The Emlen Physick Estate, located in Cape May, is a grand Victorian mansion that dates back to 1879. Built by Dr. Emlen Physick Jr., the estate originally spanned 14 acres. It served as home to the doctor, his mother, two aunts, and a variety of beloved animals. 

Today, this impressive property has been preserved as a museum by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) and is open to the public for house tours and ghost tours.

Legend has it that after Dr. Physick, his mother, and his aunts passed away, no other families stayed in the house for long. Stories of unexplained activity, such as phantom touches and sightings of a woman in vintage clothing, scared them away. 

Other paranormal encounters include ghostly dogs running through the halls. Dr. Physick’s aunt Emilie, known for her affection toward the dogs, is said to be related to this manifestation. One creepy piece of evidence shared by the museum includes an audio recording of what sounds like the disembodied voice of a child.

Shades of Death Road 

Warren County

Yes, Shades of Death Road is the real name of this infamous seven-mile, two-lane stretch in Warren County, New Jersey runs along the tree lines of Jenny Jump State Forest and passes several haunted and mysterious sites.

• Ghost Lake: Just south of the I-80 overpass lies Ghost Lake, a man-made body of water known for its mysterious vapors and a creepy glow that makes the night sky above it look like eternal twilight. Legend has it that the mist rising from the lake is the spirits of Native Americans whose bodies were thrown into the water by settlers. Visitors also associate the lake with misfortune, as the surrounding area once had malaria-carrying insects that killed many, including those Lenape Indians.
• Lenape Lane: Off Shades of Death Road is Lenape Lane, an unpaved driveway leading to an abandoned stable. Visitors report unexplained fog and feelings of unease. A glowing white orb that has been known to chase visitors back to the road.
• Murder Highway: A section of Shades of Death Road, referred to as Murder Highway, is heavily shaded by trees, creating the perfect cover for robbers who once targeted unsuspecting travelers. Among the recorded murders are the shooting of Bill Cummins, whose body was buried in a mud pile; a man who was beaten to death with a tire iron; and a woman who beheaded her husband and buried his head and body on opposite sides of the road. Local residents are said to have taken revenge on captured highwaymen by hanging them from low-hanging branches along the route.
• Native American Spirit Guide: Travelers on Shades of Death Road have reported seeing a spectral figure that appears as a deer on the road. According to legend, drivers who fail to slow down to avoid the ghostly deer will soon crash into a real deer further along the road, leading to the belief that this spirit acts as a warning.
• Buried Beneath the Road: One chilling tale claims that a family of 12 was buried in shallow graves beneath the dirt road, leaving lumps on the surface that persisted even after the road was paved. One of the bumps is said to represent the spirit of a young boy watching over his family, and those who drive along the road report a melancholic feeling when passing over them.

With its haunted sites, unsettling history, and chilling tales, Shades of Death Road continues to earn its reputation as one of the most haunted places in New Jersey.

The Proprietary House 

Perth Amboy

Located in Perth Amboy, the Proprietary House, completed in 1764, is the only remaining official royal governor’s mansion from the original 13 colonies. 

The house was once home to William Franklin, New Jersey’s last Royal Governor and the son of Benjamin Franklin. Over the years, the building has served many purposes, including a private mansion, hotel, retirement home, boarding house, and now a museum operated by the non-profit Proprietary House Association. 

The Proprietary House has a long history of hauntings, such as:

• Revolutionary War Soldier: A ghostly figure believed to be a Revolutionary War soldier is said to haunt the building.
• Woman in the Dining Room Window: Guests have reported seeing the ghost of a woman standing in the dining room window.
• Little Boy in Blue: A young boy dressed in blue has continually manifested. One story claims he opened the door for a delivery worker and silently led him to the third floor.
• The Haunted Wine Cellar: The wine cellar, rumored to have been used as a dungeon, is considered one of the most haunted areas in the house.

The property is currently owned by the State of New Jersey and is open to visitors.

Stephen Crane House 

Asbury Park

Located in Asbury Park, the Stephen Crane House was once the home of famed American author Stephen Crane, best known for his novel The Red Badge of Courage. 

Today, the house is a museum dedicated to Crane’s legacy and hosts literary events. However, its reputation as one of the most haunted places in New Jersey attracts ghost hunters from all over.

The house is said to be inhabited by ghostly children, whose playful yet mischievous presence can be felt through the sounds of laughter, playing, or even crying throughout the building. Not all spirits here are harmless—some visitors have reported the feeling of being hit on the head with fireplace tools…

Stephen Crane himself explored the area’s supernatural lore in an 1894 article titled “Ghosts on the New Jersey Coast.” The piece detailed reports of spectral lovers on the beach, an elderly woman laughing, and a Revolutionary War-era British soldier stalking fishermen. 

Essex County Hospital Center 

Cedar Grove

Perched on 325 acres of isolated land in Cedar Grove, the Essex County Hospital Center (once known as Overbrook Asylum because of its location near the Peckman River) is a crumbling relic of despair. With its haunting Gothic-style architecture, the abandoned facility looks like it was pulled straight from the set of American Horror Story. 

Built in 1896, the hospital was originally intended to provide a peaceful, remote setting where mentally ill patients could find solace and healing. Instead, Overbrook became a monument to human suffering. 

In December 1917, when the building’s boilers failed during a bitter winter, 24 patients froze to death over the course of 20 days. Years later, in the overcrowded aftermath of World War II, reports claim that as many as 150 patients just disappeared from the hospital without explanation.

Treatments at Overbrook included hydrotherapy, electroshock therapy, and prefrontal lobotomies—practices now considered barbaric. Patients who endured these procedures often faced unbearable pain and left behind a haunting energy that may still reside in the ruins.

Today, part of the former asylum grounds has been repurposed as a county park, while the other half remains in decay. But before the site could be fully razed for development, urban explorers began sharing accounts of what they experienced inside:

• The Shadowy Figure: Witnesses describe a large, dark apparition with an elongated torso and a visible spine, creeping through the hallways and darting in and out of patient rooms. 
• Disembodied Voices: Many who have dared to step inside Overbrook have heard whispers and voices echoing through the empty corridors despite being completely alone.
• Unexplained Footsteps: The sound of footsteps, pacing just out of sight, has been reported countless times. 

Over its history, Overbrook saw more than 10,000 deaths. Even in its current state, the ruins of Overbrook seem to breathe a life of their own, drawing the curious closer and making it one of the most haunted places in New Jersey. 

Ringwood Manor 

Ringwood

Ringwood Manor is a sprawling 51-room Victorian mansion with a haunting history that draws visitors from far and wide. 

First built in 1740, the property took years and several changes in ownership to become the grand estate it is today. Now a museum open to the public, Ringwood Manor is part of a state park with lovely views of the Saddle River, lush gardens, and a historic cemetery. 

While the grounds are undeniably beautiful, Ringwood Manor is one of the most haunted places in New Jersey. Han Holzer, nicknamed “Father of the Paranormal,” once said it was the most interesting haunted location that he had ever visited. 

Holzer and medium Ethel Johnson Meyers to uncover the manor’s most restless spirits:

• General Robert Erskine’s Ghost: General Robert Erskine served as George Washington’s mapmaker during the Revolutionary War once called Ringwood Manor home. After dying from pneumonia, he was buried behind the manor’s pond. Visitors and locals report seeing Erskine in the mansion, carrying a lantern, sitting on his grave, or gazing across the pond.
• Mrs. Erskine: She remains fiercely protective of the manor. During Holzer’s investigation, her spirit allegedly spoke through the medium, angrily demanding that he leave the property.
• French Soldiers: Unmarked graves on the manor grounds hold the remains of French soldiers. After dark, they are seen walking near the pond’s edge and whispering in French.
• The Second Floor Room: A servant named Jackson White, beaten to death in the second-floor room after being caught stealing food, is said to haunt the second floor. Visitors report hearing soft crying, footsteps, and the sound of heavy objects falling. The bed in the room is also mysteriously found with rumpled sheets when no one has entered.

Whether you’re drawn by its beauty or its hauntings, Ringwood Manor is a must-see for those searching for the most haunted places in New Jersey.

The Absecon Lighthouse

Atlantic City

The Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City has stood tall since 1857, originally built to prevent shipwrecks along the dangerous Absecon Inlet. This 171-foot lighthouse is the tallest in New Jersey, the third tallest in the United States, and one of the oldest in the country. 

The lighthouse was constructed in response to a tragedy in 1854, when the ship Powhatan wrecked near the inlet, killing 311 passengers and crew. The disaster earned the inlet the nickname “Graveyard Inlet.” Today, the lighthouse is restored, and no deaths have been recorded since the early 1900s.

The first recorded haunting dates back to 1905, when a keeper reported seeing the Jersey Devil perched atop the tower. Frightened, he grabbed his gun and fired at the creature. Unhinged laughter, footsteps in the tower, and the sound of the heavy tower door opening and closing have been reported since. Some have smelled the distinct aroma of pipe and cigar smoke.

There are also reports of dimes appearing randomly and sightings of dark figures at the base of the lighthouse. Witnesses describe spirits in 1800s military uniforms and civilian clothing, wandering the grounds at night and looking confused or lost. 

While the Absecon Lighthouse is a stunning historic site and one of the most haunted places in New Jersey, it stands as a reminder of the lives lost to the dangerous waters it was built to protect.

Riverview Cemetery 

Trenton

Riverview Cemetery is one of the oldest burial grounds in the state, with origins dating back to 1685 as a Quaker burying ground. Overlooking the Delaware River, it serves as the final resting place for many prominent politicians and war heroes, including Civil War Major General George B. McClellan. 

One intriguing tale comes from a visitor who captured 3 strange photos of the cemetery. The first pic appeared normal, but the second revealed a weird white orb, and the third returned to normal. Unique monuments like the Edgar Allan Poe-inspired tombstone shaped like a small door, complete with a nameplate and doorknob, add to Riverview’s gothic charm.

The cemetery hosts an annual Poe Walk, a luminary tour that explores its mysterious history. This event, held around Halloween, is popular with locals and out-of-towners. As for the Quaker origins, while specific hauntings tied to the Quakers have not been well documented, the history of the burial ground itself adds weirdness.

Ong’s Hat

Pemberton Township

Ong’s Hat, located in Pemberton Township within the New Jersey Pine Barrens, is one of the most mysterious deserted villages in the state. Once a small community founded in the late 1700s, it was home to homes and businesses. 

By 1936, the last known resident had left, leaving Ong’s Hat an abandoned ghost town. Over the years, it has become one of the most haunted places in New Jersey.

The town’s name itself is a mystery, but the legends surrounding it are even stranger. One tale involves a Polish couple who vanished from the area. Seven years later, a skull believed to belong to the woman was discovered in the nearby woods. This disappearance is just one of many linked to Ong’s Hat, where people have reportedly gone missing without explanation.

The most bizarre theory is that Ong’s Hat is the site of an interdimensional portal. In the 1970s, researchers from Princeton allegedly flocked to the area to conduct secret experiments involving wormhole travel. 

Some legends suggest that cult members in the town created the portal, sparking a violent confrontation with the U.S. government. According to these tales, survivors of the clash (both cult and military members) escaped through the portal and now live in another dimension.

For those curious to visit, Ong’s Hat is located off Route 72 near Four Mile Circle in Burlington County. Some believe that a trail in the area leads directly to the supposed portal. 

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