New Jersey has quite a few ghost towns, mainly former mining and milling villages. One after another, these settlements were abandoned, after industrial opportunities in the area declined. Some have been demolished over the years while others are perfectly preserved and not in the least bit eerie. Others are hidden away in the woods, slowly decaying and just a little eerie.

One such town is Harrisville, tucked away in the Pine Barrens.
Flickr/Rtsanderson
Harrisville was a small production community that was settled from around 1795 to 1914. Best known for producing paper, it was abandoned and set ablaze shortly after. Much of the village burned in the fire. Following the fire, vandals descended on the village. Stone and gorgeous lighting features were stolen away.

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Even despite the fire and vandals, ruins of the village remain.
Vimeo/Pineands Preservation Alliance
At one point, the town had around 75 residents and quite a few structures. Homes were most common, though you would also find a saw and gristmill, blast furnace, paper mill (one of the most advanced in the country at the time) and a company store. What remains now is primarily the ruins of the paper mill, pictured.
Though little is left, you can really enjoy what remains.
Vimeo/Pinelands Preservation Alliance
The best way to do this is by taking a guided hike through Pinelands Adventures. You'll get to learn all about local history while enjoying the spectacular Pine Barrens scenery. You're also free to explore the area on your own.

For more information on Harrisville, check out the video below:

Harrisville Tour in the New Jersey Pine Barrens from Pinelands Preservation Alliance on Vimeo.

You’ll find Harrisville in Bass River Township within Wharton State Forest, at the intersection of Chatsworth and Bodine Field Roads. For another incredible abandoned spot in New Jersey you can hike to, check out this castle.

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