Posted in New Jersey
October 08, 2016
This Haunted Road Trip Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In New Jersey
There are so many places in the Garden State that are believed to be haunted, from abandoned insane asylums to bottomless blue holes. However, many of these places are dangerous or illegal to visit and offer little entertainment value outside of their supernatural status. If you’re looking to go on an incredible adventure, that also happens to take you to some of New Jersey’s most haunted places – this is it. This epic road trip is even family friendly, but the possibility of paranormal activity adds some thrills and chills.
With around eight hours of drive time, you'll definitely want to make this a multi-day trip. I've included several haunted hotels on this list, so your ghostly adventure extends into the evening.
Your journey begins on Clinton Road, often listed among the most haunted roads in America. There are many supernatural stories surrounding this 10-mile stretch of road including a ghost boy who wanders around a bridge and hellhounds who roam the area. Some also say that the spot was a meeting place for various cults and other sinister groups. This road even has a very real chilling story - a body was found along the street, the victim of a notorious serial killer and mob hitman, Richard 'Iceman" Kuklinski. While you may spot a ghost, you'll most definitely spot spectacular foliage along the rural road.
Located amidst mansions in Alpine, New Jersey, this striking tower is said to be haunted by a woman who threw herself from the top. Legend says that she saw her spouse with another woman and jumped, stricken with grief. After her death, there were unexplained noises and footsteps throughout the tower along with the faint smell of her perfume. The building was closed off and eventually slated to be destroyed. After a series of strange accidents, the demolition was called off. While taking a trip past the tower, be sure to stop nearby at Alpine Lookout. Part of Palisades Interstate Park, you'll score fantastic views of New York City and the Hudson River.
Image/Gary Aidekman
Due to a lack of safety practices, many workers were maimed or killed during their time at the mill. A wonderful place to tour, keep a lookout for the costumed period actor on the third floor. Many guests report seeing him, however... the museum does not employ period actors. Now is the perfect time to visit as the complex is turned into a spooky haunted village, startling guests since 1990. Held around 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from 10/14-10/29, this is the museum's largest fundraiser. Visit on select nights for Happy Hauntings - a lights on event suitable for younger children. As scarier scenes are still depicted, parental discretion is advised.
Though this may be beautiful place to visit, hundreds of soldiers lost their lives here. Many report hearing screams, other strange noises and the smell of gunpowder. The park is home to the Thomas Clarke House - now a museum, once a makeshift hospital. While in Princeton, grab grub at the historic Nassau Tavern. Some have reported Revolutionary War-era ghost sightings. Consider a ghost tour through the Princeton Tour Company to see several haunted spots during your visit. All ghost tours provide access to EMF Meters, Therma-meters, Dowsing Rods and Night Vision flashlights.
You'll end the night at the gorgeous (and very pink) Grenville Hotel. A lovely place to stay, guests report ghostly children wandering the halls, the sounds of laughter and strange noises coming from empty rooms. Be sure to check out the restaurant during your stay... the food is to die for.
This living history museum transports visitors to the past, but pieces of the past may also be part of the present here. Two spirits are said to linger on the premises - Hal Allaire and Oscar Smith. Both are said to be friendly ghosts who enjoy playing pranks. Visit on Friday and Saturday nights between 10/14 -10/22 for haunted hayrides and a haunted village event, suitable for older children. On 10/30, enjoy a historic Halloween celebration with modern fun mixed in. This event is suitable for young children.
It is said that sometimes tragedy binds souls to specific spots. The Hindenburg explosion was one of the worst airship disasters in history, so it is no surprise that the hangar that once held the blimp is believed to be haunted. Hangar 1 was used as a makeshift morgue after the explosion and it can be toured today with proper background checks (it's still an active military base), in partnership with the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society.
While most executions did not happen here, the body of former inmate Joel Clough is buried on the grounds - his spirit still lingers. Visitors report rattling chains, disembodied voices and off the charts magnetic readings. A documented murder occurred here in 1920, but now it is an interesting place to learn about prison life.
Guests love this hotel so much that they never want to leave. Spend the night or just visit for a meal at Emily's Restaurant. Emily's ghost is said to haunt the hotel along with the spirits of a small child and middle aged man. Legend has it that a hidden cellar in the hotel once hosted mobster meetups.
This bunker on the beach is a strange sight and definitely worth a visit. Though this WWII munitions bunker never saw any battles, the ghosts of soldiers are said to haunt both the battery and the beach. While in Cape May, enjoy one of the many ghost tours and haunted happenings. Options include a Ghosts Of Cape May Trolley Tour, a Historic Haunts House Tour and special Halloween events like the Rest In Peace Dinner.
This is a perfect Halloween road trip! For a map and directions, click here. For more info on the haunted Burlington Prison Museum, click here.
