New Jersey’s Most Famous Urban Legend: A Haunting Tale for Curious Travelers

Located in southern New Jersey, the Pine Barrens—also known as the Pinelands—are a vast stretch of forest spanning over a million acres. They’re home to thick forests, winding rivers, wetlands, and the most famous urban legend in the state: the Jersey Devil.

If you’re a curious traveler or folklore enthusiast, it’s worth knowing about the winged creature that’s said to dwell in the Garden State. Keep reading for the story of the Jersey Devil, the best urban legend in New Jersey, including purported sightings and encounters. We also share what to do if you’re planning to visit the Pine Barrens today.

The Legend of the Jersey Devil

The legend of the Jersey Devil (also known as the “Leeds Devil”) dates back to the early 1700s. A poor mother in present-day Atlantic County named Mother Leeds was pregnant with her thirteenth child. Overwhelmed and in despair, she cursed the baby and proclaimed it would be the devil. 

The baby was born on a stormy night in 1735. According to the legend, it soon transformed into a creature with hooves, bat-like wings, claws, a horse head, and a forked tail. It attacked the other people in the room, let out a blood-curdling screech, and flew up the chimney, escaping into the surrounding Pine Barrens. From that day on, the creature became known as the Jersey Devil.

Jersey Devil Sightings and Encounters

Over the years, people have blamed the Jersey Devil for killing livestock, attacking chicken coops, letting out otherworldly howls, leaving behind strange footprints, and terrorizing locals with chilling sightings. Descriptions of the beast have varied slightly over time. That said, most mention glowing red eyes, leathery wings, a horse-like head, and sometimes the face of a dog or goat.

In January 1909, mass hysteria broke out following a wave of Jersey Devil sightings across New Jersey and neighboring states. Schools and businesses reportedly closed, residents barricaded their homes, and armed groups set out to hunt the creature—but nothing was ever found.

To this day, hikers and locals report strange occurrences in the Pine Barrens, from unexplained sounds and fleeting shadows to the sensation of being watched. An NHL team—the New Jersey Devils—was even named after the creature, which has also inspired countless documentaries and ghost stories.

Visiting the Pine Barrens Today

The Pine Barrens offer more than just horror tales. Adventurous travelers flock to the region for hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and exploring the small towns. 

If you’re planning to visit, you might start at Batsto Village, a preserved historic iron-making town located in Wharton State Forest. Here you’ll find restored homes and workshops, an old post office, a general store, and a historical landmark called the Batsto Mansion.

Visitors might also spend the day hiking along the various trails. One popular option is the Batona Trail, the longest marked trail in the region at over 50 miles, which passes through pine forests, gentle hills, ponds, and remnants of old settlements. For shorter hikes, consider the Franklin Parker Preserve (4.9 miles and 68 feet of elevation gain), Batsto Lake Trail (4.1 miles and 131 feet of elevation gain), and Double Trouble State Park Trails (2.3 miles and 32 feet of elevation gain). 

Here are some other stops worth visiting in the Pine Barrens, whether you’re interested in Jersey Devil legend or simply want a memorable day trip:

• Wharton State Forest — Home to many easy and moderate trails, and a great spot for mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing
• Double Trouble State Park — Perfect for families looking for easier trails, as well as those looking to canoe, kayak, mountain bike, or take photographs 
• Leeds Point — The supposed birthplace of the Jersey Devil
• The Blue Hole — A deep and clear blue pond/lake in the middle of the forest, about 70 feet across; swimming is prohibited due to safety concerns and lack of official supervision 
• Carranza Memorial — A stone monument honoring Mexican aviator Emilio Carranza, who died in a 1928 crash during a goodwill flight to the U.S.
• Candace McKee Ashmun Pinelands Education Exhibit — An educational center with 400+ square feet of displays, an aquarium, a terrarium, and more
• Ong's Hat — A legendary location tied to ghost town myths and conspiracy theories

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