The devils tree in Bernard Township…is pure evil. Rumored to be over 200 years old, ” The Devils Tree ” has multiple legends surrounding it that have kept teens and adventurers coming back for years. In the early 1920’s it was known that the Ku Klux Clan inhabited parts of the state including Trenton, Camden, Monmouth country and other territories in the north. In accordance with many of the locals, the clan also occupied Basking Ridge, NJ led by Rev Carl Mellberg of a local Methodist Church. It was said that the clan used the tree, which at the time was located in a desolate part of the town, away from the community. It was here that African Americans and others who opposed their beliefs were hanged. Through time, more legends were created as well:
You cant cut it down
Due to the unnatural history of the location, many locals have tried to chainsaw, cut, hack and destroy the tree. But, as rumor states those who inflict harm on the tree will meet an untimely demise. It has been burned and is scared with multiple scratch marks from over the years. In the recent years a metal fencing was put around the tree to prevent any further harm from coming to it. That has not stopped locals from still attempting to cut it down from which it has lost some of its branches, including the largest one believed to be used for the hangings. It remains unknown what has happened to anyone who has inflicted damage on the tree. Personally our crew got caught in a huge lightening storm on the way home after removing a piece of the bark.
The Black Truck
Similar to the legends on Clinton Road, there is a large black truck that will chase victims after visiting the tree. Some say that you need to harm the tree, others say spitting on it will do the trick, and yet others say its purely from visiting the evil place. Either way, don’t mess with it.
The Farmer
Locals say there is even more to the tree. They tell the tale of a farmer (as the township land was and is widely used for crops) in the early 1900’s who was suffering from depression or yet worse, possessed. The farmer took his entire family to the tree for a “picnic” one afternoon where in turn he killed each of them at the base with an axe. After performing the horrid act, he felt so guilty that he hung himself on the tree. It’s rumored that on certain nights you can still see people hanging and swinging depending on your angle.
Other tragic tales, murders, suicides, and events similar to the above have been rumored to occur at the tree.
It’s so hot
Due to the untimely demise of so many at the tree, it has been said to give off a supernatural warmth. Locals say that the ghosts and lost souls are the cause for the excess heat. Others claim that the tree is portal to hell. Below the base is a large boulder in the ground, claiming the name “The Devil’s Rock” (others call it Heat Rock). While visiting the tree during the fall on a cool sunset (50 F) the rock was unnaturally warm to the touch. Rumors also state that no snow will fall around the tree during the winter months.
The Souls are trapped
Due to the countless tragedies which have occurred, it’s rumored that you can hear voices, screams and cries from those who were killed. While we could not hear anything by ear during our visit we did perform a session using the Echovox app and received some surprising results including the words “I’m Scared”. Is this a lost soul?
Try to Scare me is NOT intended as a guide to trespassing. We present these sites, locations and stories as local unwritten history and the legends surrounding it that are told to us while traveling. Although we provide locations, and some directions, these articles are intended to be read with the knowledge that some places cannot be visited. We do not encourage trespassing onto private property and do not encourage trespassing to obtain articles, videos, pictures and other evidence to be submitted. Trespassing is illegal and those who disregard this advice will (in most cases) be arrested and charged.