Some interesting legends exist in the Garden State. The Jersey Devil is, of course, iconic. Anyone who has ever wondered about our woods (particularly in the Pine Barrens) is familiar with the tale. But we’ve got other legends that are perhaps even more chilling. And here are 3 tales from the most haunted places in New Jersey that will give you nightmares.
Jenny Jump Mountain is a 1,112-foot high, six-mile-long ridge.
While scenic, the stories behind its name are quite melancholy. Legend has it that a young girl was picking berries when she was startled by a Native American. Whether she was actually in danger, we'll never know. Either way, her father seemed to be concerned for her safety. He yelled out, Jenny, jump (presumably into his arms). Unfortunately, she fell to her death. To this day, many report seeing the spirit of a young girl wandering the area...looking for someone to catch her.
Nestled among the mountains is Ghost Lake.
The beautiful lake offers opportunities for both boating and fishing, but several spooky stories surround it. Visitors report frequent fog, despite the weather and seeing spirits arise from the mist. While the lake likely got its name from the vapor shimmering over the surface on cooler days, some claim that horrific murders took place in the area.Then, there are those who believe that the lake lies atop a sacred Native American burial ground. There's also a small cave near the lake, now called the Fairy Hole, which is believed to be on sacred ground. The cave is not open to the public but is an interesting site as archaeologists found Native American artifacts in it when they surveyed the cave back in 1918.
And right alongside Jenny Jump...Shades of Death Road.
How did it get its name? Some speculate the seclusion of the area made it a popular spot for highway robberies. Others say that many Native Americans were drowned in nearby Ghost Lake and their spirits still walk the street. This is unlikely, as the lake has not existed that long. A third theory is that a malaria outbreak in the area which killed hundreds led to the road traveling through the town being given the foreboding name.Other possibilities include roaming wildcats in the former swampland mauling travelers along this path, the danger of the dark and winding road, and frequent lynchings of criminals on the trees surrounding the street. However, it's just as likely that the road got its name thanks to the trees that line it, creating constant shade.
Do you believe the stories about these haunted places in New Jersey? What others have you heard? And here's an article about another chilling (but scenic) spot in New Jersey
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