Pine Barrens: Secrets and Legends of Pine Barrens (14 photos)
Somewhere between New York City and Philadelphia lie the ancient forests of the Pine Barrens, a unique ecosystem where sandy soil and nutrient-poor soils have created a wondrous world of dwarf pines, rare plants, and mysterious stories. 
This massif occupies almost a quarter of the state of New Jersey and is known not only for its nature, but also for the eerie legends that have haunted it for hundreds of years.
History and People 
Millions of years ago, pine swamps emerged here, providing a home for species that depended on frequent forest fires. Before the arrival of Europeans, these lands belonged to the Lenni-Lenape Indians, and in the 17th century, Dutch and Swedish settlers began to develop them. 
Lenni-Lenape (Delaware) Indians
Poor soils discouraged farmers, but charcoal, glass sand, and cranberries made the region important for industry. During the American Revolution, iron from the Pine Barrens was used by the army, and later towns sprang up here, now abandoned ghosts of their former glory.
The Legend of the Jersey Devil 
The main mystery of these places remains the Jersey Devil - a mythical creature with a horse's head, bat wings and hooves. His stories began in 1735, when, according to legend, Mrs. Leeds gave birth to a cursed 13th child. 
Since then, this monster has been accused of attacks on livestock, and in 1909, its appearance caused mass panic. Schools were closed, newspapers were full of reports about the mysterious creature, but no one was able to catch it. Today, tourists come in the hope of seeing the devil or at least buying a T-shirt with his image in one of the local eateries.
Ghosts and Abandoned Places 
Pine Barrens is full of mysticism. Here you can meet the ghosts of old factories, abandoned cities and even the legendary Captain Kidd. The Batsto Mansion, once a symbol of the wealth of the iron industry, holds shadows of the past - figures in the windows and footsteps in empty corridors. 
Still from the film "Wasteland" (2011)
And the Blue Hole lake is an ideal place for swimming at first glance, but the fine sand and underwater currents make it very dangerous. Locals believe that the Jersey Devil lurks here, dragging unwary swimmers into its bottomless depths.
The Pine Barrens Ghosts 
The Jersey Devil isn't the only thing haunting the Pine Barrens. The Atco area is home to the ghosts of a blonde woman, a black dog, and a little boy. The latter is said to have been the victim of a hit-and-run. The boy now roams Burnt Mill Road, looking for his killer. But there are other ghosts, too.
The Ghost of the White Deer 
The White Deer warns travelers of danger. According to legend, a group of people in 1809 almost fell into the Batsto River on a stormy night simply because they did not see it. The White Deer appeared, and the people turned back, and later discovered that they had miraculously survived.
The Ghost of Captain Kidd 
Captain William Kidd
The spirit of Captain Kidd is also a legendary ghost that haunts the Pine Barrens. Even though the pirate was executed in London, his spirit has been seen here. 
A 2016 book called "Captain Kidd and the Jersey Devil" is based on historical facts. In this book, 14-year-old Captain Kidd returns to the Pine Barrens to avenge his father's death. He meets the dangerous and protective native tribes who live along the Batsto River. His best friend, Black Dog the poodle (the ghost dog?), is kidnapped by the same monster that took and killed his father. Can Captain Kidd defeat the Jersey Devil and save his dog?
Pine Barrens Today 
Batsto Mansion
Today, the region is a National Forest protected from urban encroachment. Tourists come here for nature, history, and adrenaline, exploring abandoned towns, ancient roads, and lakes. 
But it is important to remember caution: they say that the forest remembers everything and does not always welcome guests. One thing is clear: the Pine Barrens continue to keep their secrets, attracting curious people from all over the world. 
