Experience a Strange Phenomenon on Gravity Hill in New Jersey

Titusville is a small, unincorporated community within Hopewell Township. Titusville started as a settlement run by the Titus Family, which prospered in the 1830s-1850s due to the nearby Delaware & Raritan Canal and railroad. The picturesque Mercer County village overlooks the Delaware River, and to be honest, it doesn't seem all that extraordinary—at first. It's beautiful and charming, sure, but so are many other New Jersey towns.

What is it that makes this little hamlet stand out? Titusville has a spooky and unnerving secret. Some of you may already be aware of the strange phenomenon known as a gravity hill. If you put your vehicle in neutral at the bottom of a gravity hill, it will appear to defy gravity as it rolls backward, uphill. You can find this unique phenomenon on Pleasant Valley Road.

If you travel down Pleasant Valley Road for about a mile off the exit from Route 29, you'll come across the so-called Gravity Hill. Get ready for a fun ride! At this point, you'll want to put your car in neutral. Supposedly, there is a small marker. There are two different supernatural stories explaining the phenomenon.

One legend says that a farmer arrived home to find it burning down with his family still inside. Many parked their cars and watched. He begged for help, but to no avail. He rushed to save his family, but could not. It is said that his ghost pushes cars towards where his home would be, still looking for help. The other legend may be even darker. Over a century ago, an abused woman fought back. She ended up killing her husband and dragging his body up the hill. She hanged him in a nearby tree and still pushes cars down the same path.

Of course, this is most likely an optical illusion. It is also said to work with bikes and other rolling objects. What do you believe? If Titusville is too far from you, you can find a similar phenomenon in Franklin Lakes along Ewing Avenue and Jackson along New Prospect Road. Are there any others you can add? Be aware that trying this trick yourself may be illegal and can be dangerous. Watch out for traffic conditions that may put you at risk.

Looking for more New Jersey lore? Take a look at these 16 urban legends in New Jersey that will totally spook you.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip through the Garden State using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.