Shades of Death Road in NJ, known locally by the name “shades”, is called such due to the years of death, decay, disease, and just plain unexplainable that has occurred on the seven mile stretch of road. Ever since its creation in the 1800’s unnatural forces have taken a hold on those who travel upon it, leaving an imprint on all who pass through. There are many stories about how the road received its infamous name, a few of which are told below. The past can’t hide its ghosts from telling the tragic tales.

Ghost Lake

Ghost Lake (unnamed on U.S. Geological Survey maps) is just off the road, south of the I-80 overpass. It was created in the early 20th century when two men dammed a creek that ran through the valley. Rumors say that as the lake grew in size, so did the paranormal activity. The men were soon constantly haunted by the spirits of Native Americans who previously lived (and maybe died) on the land. Rumors even grew of an indian burial ground located in the center of the lake. As the hauntings became worse the men moved from the area, but not before naming the lake “ghost lake”.

Today visitors say the lake still reveals many spirits, especially those who visit the cave located on one side. Early in the morning, a thick fog covers the area; a prime time to capture some EVP’s. It’s said that the middle of the lake contains a black hole that will suck in any who swim in the lake. It is unknown how many people have drowned.

Ghost Lake

The Cave

To the right of Ghost lake, there is a small cave, once used by Lenape Indians. It is said that in the early 1900’s archeologists found bits of broken pottery, tools, and carvings inside. It has lead historians to believe that the cave was used by native hunters and travelers as a pit stop during long travels. Of course this cave was used before the existence of ghost lake where tribal burial grounds once existed. Now the lake, and its sprits, haunt all those who visit. Today the cave is covered with graffiti and has lost much of its historical value.

The Cabin in the Woods

About a mile down the road is a small one-lane unpaved road which contains a farmhouse at the end. But halfway down the road there is a small cabin-like structure. Visitors to this cabin have reported strange supernatural activity.

A Weird NJ reader told the following story of the cabin:

You can barely see it in the day, but at night forget it. If you don’t know where to look, you wont find it. Me and a couple of kids were inside it one night and I remember it was trashed – the windows were all broken, the walls were falling apart the floor had holes in it, the place was a mess. In one of the far corners of the house is a hallway with a piano built into the wall. The keys are all smashed up on it and that alone is enough to be kinda freaky. We went on exploring the place and then went upstairs, and I was the last person up the stairs. I remember that so there wasnt anybody else downstairs. All of a sudden the piano sounded like someone banged on it really hard. Then it happened again, and there was a crunching sound like the glass on the floor was being stepped on. This sound came closer and closer down the hallway. Our first reaction was that it was the cops. But when we heard the sound right in front of us and saw no flashlights, wee quickly ruled out that one. So someone shined a light on the area and there was nothing there. We took off out of there as quickly as we could and didn’t look back. when we got to the road we noticed that there were no cars parked along the side, so it wasn’t any body fucking with us.

The Murder Highway

While traveling along the roads southern half you will notice that it contains plenty of natural shade. Back in the day this portion of the road provided a hiding place for highwaymen and bandits waiting for their helpless victims. All they needed to do was wait for a carriage, car, or horseman and then provide a distraction while they snuck up and slit the victims throat. Hundred of pounds of gold, treasure and coins have exchanged hands at the price of blood. One such murder involved a local resident, Bill Cummins, who was killed and and buried in a mud pile. His murder was never solved.

Hundred of pounds of gold, treasure and coins have exchanged hands at the price of blood. Click to Tweet

However, over the years highwaymen were captured and hanged above the trees, a warning to those who to wished to copy their line of work. Today these spirits haunt Shades of Death road. Their presence is known by a thick fog and dark apparitions and appear and disappear constantly. Some ghosts even follow visitors home. They attach themselves to those who are bullies, sending a lesson to those who harm others as the ghosts did in their previous life.

Disease in Warren County

Shades of Death road wasn’t only home to murders and natives, but was home to swarms of mosquitos who spread nothing was disease and pain. In the mid-1800’s they caused a outbreak of malaria resulting in high mortality rates. The was due to the remoteness of the area from proper medical treatment. To turn the tragedy into a “sick joke” it’s said that “of death” was added to the roads name. In 1884 a state-sponsored project drained the swamps, ending the threat.

death due to disease?

Today

Today the road is frequent traveled by those hoping to catch a glimpse of a specter. Both the name and the stories have made this road one of the most famous in the state of NJ. Still, the legends don’t end there. One more modern event occurred on the road that has been added to history.
A few years back Weird NJ published correspondence from two anonymous readers who said they found hundreds of Polaroid photographs, some of them showing the blurred image of a woman, possibly in distress, scattered in woods just off the road. The magazine claims the local police began an investigation but the photos “disappeared” shortly afterward. What were these photos there for? Where did they go? Are those that took them still around and visiting the old forest?

What other secrets lie beyond the shade?

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Haunted Places, Legends and Ghosts

Shades of Death Road : Great Meadows, NJ

Shades of Death Road : Great Meadows, NJ

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