The Pine Barrens of New Jersey is a mysterious place, with no shortage of urban legends surrounding the woods. Those who choose to hike there are often looking for secrets – and they just might find them. But one of the Barrens’ greatest secrets has nothing to do with the supernatural. The famous Brooksbrae Brick Factory – an old terracotta brick factory – once stood there, but it’s long since fallen into disrepair. And since then, something eerie and remarkable has happened to it.

Imagine that you're out for a refreshing day of hiking in beautiful New Jersey...
Steven Murrow/Google Maps
...and you come along this path you're told leads to the Brooksbrae Brick Factory in Manchester Township. It might look like any other hike through the Pine Barrens but watch closely...
As you walk along the nearby street, you might notice chalk graffiti along the country road.
Steven Murrow/Google Maps
That's your first sign that this is no ordinary hike.
The dilapidated railroad track nearby has even been transformed into an art project.
Claudimir Alves/Google Maps
It's only a short hike, about a half-mile, to your destination, but don't look for any signs along the way. Just follow the well-worn path of fellow hikers...
You will definitely know it when you get there.
Jonny Dee/Google Maps
Amid some dilapidated old ruins of a brick factory, you'll find a collection of artwork that looks like it might be the work of the Joker.
But it's not a clown-themed supervillain.
Robert Sheppard/Google Maps
It's a collective of motivated artists who have transformed this ruined site, one of many abandoned places in New Jersey, into a technicolor display of some of New Jersey's best graffiti.
Some of the walls have massive tags on them and are barely recognizable from their original purpose.
Malky Rabinowitz/Google Maps
Yet together they all contribute to a beautiful piece of New Jersey history.
Others look more like ancient ruins than a 20th-century factory, but few are untouched by the paint.
D MP/Google Maps
There are many rumors of dark events at this abandoned brick factory, which is probably why most hikers explore this eerie ruin during the daytime.

Have you paid a visit to the woods where the Brooksbrae Brick Factory lies? If so, did you find it to be creepy? Let us know your favorite part of this strange art installation in the comments section below.

The hike is available to anyone who wants to take it, and the ruins are open to the public, but make sure to visit the website of Manchester Township first to learn more about the area before you go.

If you’re still in the mood for more hiking, check out this list of amazing New Jersey hiking trails along the beach.

If you’re into backpacking, this video will give you some Jersey insights:

 

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Brooksbrae Terracotta Brick Factory, Pasadena, Woodmanse Road, Manchester Township, NJ 08759, USA