New Jersey’s most notorious ghost town isn’t really much of a town at all anymore. Even at its peak, there were probably only several structures. While some say you can still see ruins in the woods, we can’t say for certain – we’ve never been. While we love visiting ghost towns in New Jersey like Batsto Village, Waterloo Village, and Raritan Landing, all preserved and open for the public to enjoy, this abandoned town is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. If you’re feeling brave, pay a visit to Ong’s Hat, the creepiest abandoned town in New Jersey.

Ong's Hat is an unincorporated community in Pemberton Township.
Google Maps
Located in the Pine Barrens, there are several stories about how this town got its name. Some say a man named Jacob Ong threw his hat into the air out of frustration, at which point it became stuck in a tree. More likely, the town was originally named Ong's Hut after a way station/rest area along a grain transportation route.

The area can be seen on maps dating back centuries; pictured is a map from 1778. Legend says that the town had just a handful of houses, along with a thriving dance hall. However, industry left the area and Ong's Hut/Ong's Hat slowly became the creepiest abandoned town in New Jersey.
The last resident left the town in 1936, but not before some strange disappearances.
Wikipedia/Rtsanderson
A Polish immigrant, John Chininiski, and his wife lived in the area. She disappeared without a trace, and shortly after he went missing as well. Years later, a single skeleton was found in the woods nearby.

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But the story gets even stranger...
Image/Google Maps
According to an urban legend (and a handful of conspiracy theorists), Ong's Hat contains a portal to another dimension. Disgraced Princeton professors, mocked for their quantum physics theories, fled to the area in the 1970s. They are said to have discovered the secret of inter-dimensional travel.

This legend first sprung up in the 1980s, circulating around online bulletin boards. It was actually one of the earliest online conspiracy theories and eventually inspired a book.
And stranger...
Image/Google Maps
The book, titled "Ong's Hat: The Beginning," claims that the area had cult ties and was the site of a bloody standoff between the U.S. government and cult members responsible for creating the portal. Those who survived the raid now live in an alternate dimension. While I may not be a believer, this story is certainly interesting. Buy the book online to learn more and keep an open mind about this creepy ghost town in New Jersey.

Get an in-depth look at the story of Ong’s Hat:

After all, if any state had an inter-dimensional portal, it would be New Jersey. Simply because our state is out of this world! Bad puns aside, this is certainly one of the creepiest abandoned towns in New Jersey. Have you experienced any paranormal activity in this state? Have you ever been to Ong’s Hat NJ? Share your favorite legends and conspiracy theories in the comments.

For more strange spots in New Jersey, take a drive to this haunted forest in the Pine Barrens.

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Ong's Hat NJ

Elisa Regulski | September 27, 2019

What other abandoned places are there in New Jersey?

Other abandoned places in New Jersey include:

  • Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital
  • Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital

There are several abandoned places in New Jersey. If you’re looking for a scary adventure, head to the Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital in Jersey City. This building was once the first public health hospital in the United States. Today, all that remains are empty rooms and dilapidated walls. You can, however, explore this fascinating place. Government Organization Save Ellis Island occasionally offers hard-hat tours through the ruins. For another eerie excursion, explore the abandoned Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Glen Gardner. The building was abandoned in 2012 and has been decaying ever since.

Are there any hiking trails to abandoned places in New Jersey?

A hiking trail to an abandoned place in New Jersey is in the Ramapo State Forest.

There’s a trail that leads you straight to one of the most incredible abandoned places in New Jersey. Journey to the Ramapo State Forest and explore the Van Slyke Castle. This magnificent structure was built in the early 1900s. Today, visitors can walk among the old archways. Vines and trees have grown around it, giving the place an eerie quality.

What ghost towns can you find in New Jersey?

Ghost towns you can find in New Jersey include:

  • Waterloo Village
  • Harrisville

There are so many interesting ghost towns in New Jersey. Waterloo Village, located in Byram Township, is one of the most fascinating. This old town was once a popular rest stop for travelers going between New York and Pennsylvania. In the 1930s, it was completely abandoned. In the 1960s, the village was restored and converted into an open-air museum. Exploring this area will give you a glimpse of the past. Another fascinating ghost town is located in Harrisville. This tiny town was built around a booming paper mill, but it fell into disarray in 1914. Today, only ruins remain.

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Ongs Hat Road, Ongs Hat Rd, Southampton Township, NJ, USA