Summer bucket lists are overrated. Looking for something exciting to do during the warm months ahead? If you're daring enough, check out some of these abandoned and eerie places located throughout New Jersey. Be it bankruptcy or whatever other feat that lead to their downfall, these once lively places are a part of our own state's history and should be remembered for better or for worse.
1. Snake Hill
The name doesn't do this eerie tale justice. Just over ten years ago, NJ Turnpike authorities had plans to build an interchange to give drivers easier access to the Seacaucus Junction train station near exit 15. During the prep work for the new roadway human remains were found. Little did anyone know, this soon would become one of the largest disinterments of bodies in our county's history. Over 4,500 bodies were found and moved. If the unearthing of thousands isn't eerie enough, consider the locations history. Snake Hill was once home to a tuberculosis hospital, multiple cemeteries, an asylum, and a penitentiary. All of which have one thing had in common— death.
2. Jungle Habitat
Once a Warner Bros theme park, this abandon safari opened in West Milford, NJ, in 1972. Home to over 1,500 animals, guests could drive through trails with wildlife roaming free or walk around the interactive petting zoo area. The jungle fever ended just four years after the opening, but why so soon? An abundance of negative publicity surrounded the park including but not limited to: animals suffering from tuberculosis, a tourist being attacked by a lion, and animals escaping into nearby residential areas. After the property was sold, several reports were published stating that animal carcasses were found decaying on the abandoned property. Some of the parks animals are rumored to still walk the overgrown trails today.
3. Trenton Psychiatric Hospital
Just like many other historic asylums, a series of name changes took place during its years of operation. Founded in 1848, under the name of New Jersey State Lunatic Hospital, many patients continue to come and go as the facility continues to operate today. A dark history surrounds the hospital, as cruel medical procedures were the basis of its operations. In 1907, Dr. Henry Cotton took the position of medical director. His barbaric practices often resulted in the painful deaths of his patients. Cotton believed the simplest of infections were the root of mental illnesses. Because of this theory, he and his staff began removing teeth and vital organs from hospital inhabitants, in hopes of curing them. Despite the high number of deaths associated with his procedures, future doctors continued his practices into the 1960's. The hospital is still in operation today, but many of the old buildings on the grounds have long since been abandon and left to decay.
4. Devil's Tree
Located in Bernard's Township, the urban legend featured in Weird NJ has residents frequenting the site in search of the truth. Rumor has is that a murderous farmer killed his family and then proceeded to hang himself from the tree. Those who attempt to cut the tree down, ultimately meet their end. The tree itself has many hacks in it from axes as well as chainsaw marks. Legend has it that the cursed tree gives off heat and that no snow falls around it. Locals have reported hearing noises from inside and around the landmark. While many rumors surround the Devil's Tree, the only known truth is that the KKK used to hold demonstrations in the adjacent field.
5. The Gates of Hell
The opening to the tunnel, nicknamed Gates Of Hell, lies in Clifton. The eight-foot brick archway leads to underground tunnels, sewage drains, and a rumored evil presence. If venturing into a pitch black abandon tunnel full of rats and sewage isn't dangerous enough as it is, legend has it that this gateway is guarded by the Devil himself. Daring teens have entered and quickly ran from the tunnels reporting strange noises and sights. It's said that as you walk deeper and deeper into the Gates Of Hell, you are swallowed by the darkness and unable to see what lies ahead or behind you. Those who were daring enough to venture into the unknown state that years later they still have nightmares about their experience.
*This article is for entertainment purposes only and does not promote trespassing on government property.
