Shades of Death Road: ghost stories and local legends in New Jersey
Shades of Death Road is located in central Warren County, in the US state of New Jersey. It's known for its eerie name and has gained a reputation for being haunted or cursed. It's one of the Top Haunted Roads in the world.
How long is Shades of Death Road?
Located smack in the middle of Warren County, the road is totally paved. It’s a two-lane rural road of about 7 miles (11.2 km) in length, weaving from farm country just off I-80 along a portion of Jenny Jump State Forest, riding the edge of the unofficially-but-aptly-named Ghost Lake. Despite its unsettling name and reputation, Shades of Death Road is a real and functional roadway. It is part of the rural landscape of Warren County, and people travel on it regularly.
Why is it called Shades of Death Road?
The origin of the name is uncertain, and several theories attempt to explain it. One theory suggests that it was named after a malaria-infested swamp along the road that caused illness and death. Another theory attributes the name to the murders that allegedly took place there in the 1920s, although historical records do not support these claims. The road passes through wooded areas, and it is said to be quite dark at night due to the thick tree cover. This, combined with its ominous name, has contributed to the road's reputation as a spooky or haunted location. However, it's essential to note that many of the legends surrounding Shades of Death Road are considered folklore, and there is little factual basis for the paranormal claims.
Is Shades of Death Road haunted?
The road is the subject of folklore and numerous local legends. It’s probably the scariest road in New Jersey. The winding two-lane road of terror stretches alongside the spooky Jenny Jump State Forest. Legend has it that many years ago, a car of teenagers was driving down a country road in Hackettstown, NJ after the prom. The road was slippery that night and curved sharply to the left and right, winding into the dark. The driver lost control, and the car crashed into a ditch, killing one of the passengers. To this day, on dark and slippery nights, you can still see the girl who died wandering that murderous curve wearing her prom dress.