The Pine Barrens of New Jersey encompasses over 1.1 million acres of preserved woodlands spanning seven counties. Though this forest is in the heart of America's most densely populated state, situated between two major cities (New York and Philadelphia), the land is mostly rural and dotted with ruins of former mill and mining settlements. Along with an incredible assortment of ghost towns, this heavily forested stretch of the state is also known for an abundance of ghosts. Many national publications have listed this scenic spot among the most haunted places in the country. But are the Pine Barrens dangerous? No; however, according to some, they may be quite haunting. Have you ever visited this haunted forest in New Jersey?

Pine Barrens Reserve

In 1978, congress designated 1.1 million acres of coastal plain in Southern New Jersey to be protected as part of the Pinelands National Reserve. This was America's first National Reserve, established to protect the unique ecology of the region. However, the history of the Pine Barrens dates back much further than 1978.

Pine Barrens History

Lenni Lenape Indians first inhabited the area around 1200 A.D. European settlements began springing up along the Mullica River by 1694. The iron industry brought jobs and wealth to the Pine Barrens, with New Jersey producing much of the iron used during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812.Other industries that thrived in the Pine Barrens included glass making, paper, cotton, and clay production. However, when coal was discovered in Pennsylvania, many area residents headed west. Communities were abandoned overnight, leaving behind more ghost towns than almost any other state in the US. Along with ghost towns, the area is known to have an abundance of ghosts and other supernatural creatures.

Jersey Devil

The Jersey Devil is probably the most famous paranormal Pine Barrens resident. Legend says that the demonic creature was the 13th child of Deborah Leeds, born in 1735. The literal spawn of Satan, this creepy cryptid is said to have wings and hooves. With a horse-like head, claws, forked tail, and blood-curling scream, many South Jersey residents have spotted the beast.Reports of Jersey Devil sightings date back to 1820 when Joseph Bonaparte (brother of Napoleon) claimed to have witnessed the Jersey Devil on his Bordentown estate. The creature was blamed for livestock killings in the 1840s and again in the 1920s.The most famous incidence of panic over the Jersey Devil occurred in 1909. In the month of January, hundreds of sightings were reported along with attacks in Haddon Heights and Camden. Newspaper coverage led to widespread hysteria. A $10,000 bounty was put on the creature's head and schools were even closed for a short time.

Ghosts Of The Pine Barrens

Of course, the Jersey Devil is only just the start. The ghost of a small boy is said to haunt the Atco area. The victim of a hit and run, he roams Burnt Mill Road, still searching for his killer. If you drive down the road at night and turn off your lights, you may just see a boy running for his ball. However, I wouldn't recommend turning your lights off on a dark road, unless you're looking to be the next Pine Barrens ghost.Another spirit said to roam the Pine Barrens is the ghost of James Still. An African American doctor during the time of slavery, legend says that he was lynched when locals found that he was practicing medicine. Some say he died of natural causes, but most believe he is a friendly ghost, assisting those lost or injured in the area.Other ghosts include a blonde woman, white stag, black dog and the headless spirit of the infamous pirate, Captain Kidd. Of course, with the milling industry being incredibly dangerous, many spirits of maimed workers may linger on as well.

For a quick clip on the Jersey Devil from Destination America, check out the video below.

Have you ever had a Jersey Devil sighting? What other Pine Barrens ghosts do you know of? Share your experiences with us about this haunted forest in New Jersey in the comments. For more haunted places in New Jersey, check out my previous article on the Proprietary House, haunted by a young boy, a Revolutionary War soldier, and a woman in white.