Scary drives in New Jersey might be very familiar to the residents who seem to take it in stride. They are a different breed when it comes to driving — as any out-of-state visitor who violates the rules of the road discovers pretty quickly — usually with a barrage of honks! But some drives around the Garden State can daunt even the most fearless drivers. These include high-flying adventures that are memorable experiences for daring drivers, to packed and intimidating highways and intersections that command even experienced drivers to keep their wits about them. So read on for the six scariest drives in New Jersey, and be sure to pay extra attention to the road when braving these stretches!

1. County Route 539

scary drives in New Jersey
539 County Ave, Maple Shade, NJ 08052, USA
Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This rural road takes you to the Pine Barrens, through some of the state's forest regions and rural areas, and it's a lovely quiet drive - during the day. At night, it feels like you're the only one around for miles - and you might just be. Keep an eye out for darting deer - this isolated area is known for them acting unpredictably.

2. Somerville Circle

scary drives in New Jersey
Somerville Circle, Somerville Cir, Raritan, NJ, USA
Mr. Matté, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
We think this is the closest thing in New Jersey to a classic British roundabout. This circle was built in the 1930s. It was a chaotic spot that was infamous for car accidents. A bridge built in the 1990s allows people to bypass the circle and has alleviated traffic, but those who take the lower route are in for a tense, chaotic few minutes.

3. Henry Hudson Drive

scary drives in New Jersey
Henry Hudson Drive, Henry Hudson Dr, Fort Lee, NJ, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Not all terrifying drives are to be avoided! The Henry Hudson Drive is a gorgeous cliffside excursion in the Palisades and can be driven, biked, or hiked. No matter which way you take it, you'll see stunning views - and steep cliffs - so anyone with a fear of heights should approach carefully.

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4. Pulaski Skyway

scary drives in New Jersey
Pulaski Skyway, Jersey City, NJ, USA
King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Speaking of heights, it doesn't get more iconic than the Pulaski Skyway - a massive metal bridge high above an industrial area. Not only is the view down intimidating, but this is a tight drive with non-existent shoulders and heavy traffic. Read all about it on the Pulaski Skyway web page.

5. U.S. Route 22

scary drives in New Jersey
US Highway 22, US-22, Union, NJ, USA
Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
All of New Jersey's major highways are a test of driving skill, but Route 22 may top them all. A busy and heavily developed area in Union and Springfield, it's a two-and-a-half mile stretch with exit ramps everywhere. Constant vigilance is needed to navigate the high-speed traffic. Learn about the speed limits on the U.S. Route 22 web page.

6. Spaghetti Junction

scary drives in New Jersey
Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The suburban township of Woodbridge is famous for its culture - and infamous for one area in particular. It's one of the busiest transit areas in the state and sees the Parkway, the Turnpike, Route 297, Route 9, and a collection of local streets all intersecting in a confusing network of exits and turns. Locals know it by heart by now - but visitors often find themselves getting hopelessly turned around their first time in the area.

Scary drives in New Jersey are plentiful. Discover more about these and other roads on the New Jersey Transit website. Have you driven any of these famous — or infamous — stretches of road? Tell us your experiences in the comments section below, and let us know what you think are the scariest drives in New Jersey! You might just have an intersection in your hometown that puts some of these to shame.

For a very different kind of drive this summer, why not take this memorable shore drive to Grassy Sound Marina? And while you’re out traveling around, reserve a room on Booking.com.

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Scary Roads In New Jersey

Carolyn Harmon | April 03, 2024

What are some scary roads in New Jersey?

  • Shades Of Death Road: This two-lane country road runs about 6.7 miles in central Warren County and is the subject of many reported ghost appearances. Featured on "Haunted Highway" it seems many of the spirits come from the nearby Ghost Lake.
  •  Clinton Road: Some say this 10-mile route running through West Milford from Route 23 to Upper Greenwood Lake is the most haunted road in America. From an infamous ghost boy to witches and dark magic, strange occurrences have been reported on this rural stretch.

 

What are some of the most scenic drives in New Jersey?

  • State Route 29: It's easy to imagine what beauty awaits outside your windows while traveling beside the Delaware River from Trenton to Frenchtown. And don't underestimate some of the pitstops along the route, such as a visit to the Baldpate Mountain at Ted Stiles Preserve. This is a perfect place to stretch your legs and see some of the local scenery.
  • Monument Road: This is the highest road in New Jersey with an elevation of about 1,800 feet above sea level. It goes through Kittatinny Mountains and past the beautiful Lake Marcia where you can stop at a playground. Then take in the views at High Point Monument.
  • County Route 563: A lovely drive of 43.87 miles goes from Margate City to Woodland Township. The scenic route includes beaches, the Pinelands, Lucy the famous elephant, and views over a toll bridge of beautiful Shelter Island Bay and Whirlpool Channel.

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