When talking about South Jersey, you cannot forget about its 1.1 million acres of iconic land. The Pine Barrens (or Pinelands) stretches across seven counties- containing various types of ecosystems. This distinctive environment is currently the largest forest that calls the east coast home. A vast array of species have adapted to this unique ecosystem’s way of life. This New Jersey Crown Jewel nourishes most of its communities. Though a sinister aura permeates this forest. Many locals recount childhood ghost stories passed down by their relatives. Many of these stories continuously haunt us- a constant reminder of this forest shrouded in mystery. The ghastly history of the Pinelands has kept residents wary of the area for generations. Strap in and clutch your Wawa pretzels… we’re diving into some spooky stories!
Jersey Devil
No legend is more synonymous with the Pine Barrens than that of the Jersey Devil. This sinister creature has been a pinnacle threat towards children who won’t behave for ages! Though the terror of this creature stretches long past childhood for many. The tale of his birth and centuries of encounters has horrified locals into modern day. Born as the 13th child of Mother Leeds, this creature transformed from a newborn before launching itself through a chimney stack. This tall creature stands tall on two legs, with feature characteristics being a horse or goat-like head and dragon-like wings. The Jersey Devil had become a prominent topic specifically in 1909, when many sightings started to pour in at once. This would lead to scientific investigation with no crucial findings. This further shrouded the mystery of the elusive creature. In a 1909 press report the Evans, a local couple stated, “It walked on its back legs and held up two short front legs with paws on them. It didn’t use the front legs at all while we were watching. My wife and I were scared, I tell you, but I managed to open the window and say, ‘Shoo’? and it turned around, barked at me, and flew away.” (). While encounters like this are not as common in modern times, the legend of the beast lives on. Many still believe in his existence in the forest and are fearful to step foot in the vast landscape past dusks. This creature has no accounts of harm to this day. Though… who knows? He might pay you a visit on your next Pine Barrens adventure.
The Atco Ghost
One story particularly haunts the residents of Atco in Camden county. The ‘Atco Ghost’ involves a young boy who had been killed as a result of a drunk driver. He had been playing with his new basketball that he was gifted when he lost control of it. As he walked into the street to retrieve it, a drunk driver had hit him and sped away. This occurred on burnt mill road, an unfinished roadway that leads to a dead end in the pine barrens. Locals say that you can encounter the boy’s ghost if you pull over to the side of the road, kill the engine and lights, get out of the car and walk away from it, then turn around. Many have said that you will see the boy with his ball walking towards you. Some say he does this to see if you are his killer. Others have also encountered him in less calculated ways, seeing him if their car was stuck or stranded. It seems that this boy’s spirit lives on to this day. If you’re planning a visit to Burnt Mill road, make sure you go with a new set of tires and a full tank of gas. Otherwise you might get your own personal encounter with the Atco ghost.
Carranza Memorial
This memorial, located in Tabernacle in Burlington County, carries an interesting story of its own. Captain Emilio Carranza was a well regarded pilot in his community. At the time Carranza was considered a national hero for performing the third longest non-stop flight from San Diego, California to Mexico City. Unfortunately after flying to the United States to dine with President Calvin Coolidge, his plan had suffered a deadly failure in the middle of a severe thunderstorm. The monument marks the sight of the crash where he supposedly still flies to this day. Locals say that if you flash your lights three times while yelling his name in your car, his plane will fly over. At this point you either place pennies on his memorial, or you may face the wrath of his spirit. There have been no reported injuries at this area and Emilio’s ghost is seen as a friendly spirit. Many also report feeling an uneasy presence when visiting this memorial. While the crash was devastating to the aviation community, it brings much peace to know that he still spends his days flying in the next life.