From roller coasters and haunted trails to craft beer and hockey games, there are plenty of ways to embrace the legend of the Jersey Devil this fall.
Deep in the heart of South Jersey’s Pine Barrens, something sinister is said to lurk among the towering pines, cedar swamps and winding dirt roads. With the head of a horse, wings of a bat, hooves and a bloodcurdling scream, the Jersey Devil has terrorized generations of New Jersey residents — or at least their imaginations.
For nearly 300 years, the legendary creature has been the subject of campfire stories, alleged sightings, books and television programs.
Today, the Jersey Devil is more than a monster. He’s a cultural icon, an unofficial ambassador of the Garden State and perhaps New Jersey’s most recognizable resident.
According to the most popular version of the legend, the Jersey Devil was born in 1735 near Leeds Point in Atlantic County. Frustrated by the prospect of giving birth to her 13th child, a woman known as Mother Leeds supposedly cursed her unborn baby, declaring that the child would be the devil.
On a dark and stormy night, she gave birth to what initially appeared to be a normal baby. Moments later, the infant transformed into a grotesque creature, sprouting wings, horns and hooves before escaping through the chimney and disappearing into the Pine Barrens.
The monster, originally called the Leeds Devil, has reportedly been spotted throughout South Jersey ever since. A particularly notorious series of alleged sightings in January 1909 sparked widespread panic, cementing the creature’s place in regional folklore.
While skeptics have offered explanations ranging from misidentified animals to elaborate hoaxes, the Jersey Devil’s legend has only grown stronger with time.
And although there is no scientific evidence that the creature exists, there is certainly no shortage of ways to celebrate him.
This Halloween season, embrace your inner cryptid enthusiast with these Jersey Devil-themed adventures across the Garden State.
Sip a Jersey Devil Mojito at Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck
The Jersey Devil may be notorious for haunting the woods, but his influence extends all the way to the waterfront.
Located along the Mullica River in Sweetwater, Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck offers scenic views, waterfront dining and a lively atmosphere that celebrates the natural beauty of the Pine Barrens.
The restaurant’s signature cocktail lineup has featured the Jersey Devil Mojito, a spirited twist on the traditional cocktail made with Bacardi Dragonberry rum, mint, Red Bull Yellow Edition and lemon-lime soda.
Guests can pair a drink with burgers, sandwiches, seafood and other menu selections while taking in views of the river.
For those looking to extend the Halloween festivities, Sweetwater is also hosting a haunted trail this October featuring the Jersey Devil himself. The experience begins at a fictionalized Leeds family cabin, where visitors encounter the story of Mother Leeds and her cursed 13th child before venturing into a series of frightening scenes.
The approximately 17-minute haunted walk concludes with a bonfire, pop-up bar and concession stand.
Remaining scheduled dates include Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30, from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, and the experience is recommended for ages 10 and older.
Visit sweetwaterriverdeck.com for details and current menus.
Paddle through the Pines with Jersey Devil Adventures
What better way to appreciate the Jersey Devil’s natural habitat than by exploring the rivers and forests where he supposedly makes his home?
Based in Hammonton, Jersey Devil Adventures offers outdoor experiences that allow visitors to discover the beauty of the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
The company specializes in kayak and canoe excursions through the region’s waterways, along with additional outdoor adventure options.
Participants can paddle along the tea-colored rivers that wind through Wharton State Forest, surrounded by dense forest, sandy banks and the distinctive vegetation that makes the Pinelands one of New Jersey’s most remarkable landscapes.
Although a Jersey Devil sighting isn’t guaranteed, travelers may encounter turtles, birds and other wildlife while navigating the quiet waterways.
The company coordinates transportation and equipment for its river trips, allowing visitors to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
Excursions can begin at the company’s Hammonton location or Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck, making it possible to combine an afternoon on the river with a meal overlooking the water.
Fall is an especially beautiful time to explore the Pine Barrens, when cooler temperatures and changing foliage create an enchanting atmosphere.
Jersey Devil Adventures is located at 847 South White Horse Pike in Hammonton. Visit jerseydeviladventures.com to explore trip options and seasonal availability.
Cheer on the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center
The Jersey Devil’s influence extends well beyond the Pine Barrens, reaching all the way to the ice rink.
When New Jersey’s National Hockey League franchise relocated from Colorado in 1982, the team adopted the name New Jersey Devils in honor of the legendary creature.
More than four decades later, the Devils remain one of the most recognizable tributes to the state’s supernatural folklore.
The Devils have several remaining October home games, including matchups against the New York Rangers on Oct. 15, Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 20, Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 22 and Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 24.
Fans can sport the team’s signature red and black, enjoy the atmosphere inside the arena and keep an eye out for NJ Devil, the team’s mischievous mascot.
For South Jersey residents, the outing offers an excuse for a road trip and a chance to celebrate a different kind of Jersey Devil.
Visit nhl.com/devils for tickets and game information.
Raise a glass at 13th Child Brewery in Williamstown
Few businesses embrace Jersey Devil folklore as directly as 13th Child Brewery in Williamstown.
The craft brewery takes its name from Mother Leeds’ infamous 13th offspring, transforming one of South Jersey’s creepiest legends into a celebration of locally brewed beer.
Located at 345 South Main Street, the brewery occupies a historic former bank building dating to 1906, with original architectural features that add character to the taproom.
Visitors can sample an assortment of craft beers, enjoy the atmosphere of the beer garden and participate in regularly scheduled events, including live music and trivia.
The brewery’s creative approach to its identity makes it an especially appropriate destination for fans of local folklore.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply searching for a fall outing with a distinctly South Jersey connection, 13th Child offers an opportunity to toast one of the region’s most enduring legends.
Visit 13thchildbrewery.com for current hours and beer selections.
Visit the legendary creature’s birthplace in Leeds Point
For the ultimate Jersey Devil pilgrimage, head to the small Atlantic County community where the legend began.
Leeds Point, located near Smithville in Galloway Township, is widely recognized as the setting of Mother Leeds’ fateful encounter with her 13th child.
Today, the quiet community offers a glimpse into the landscapes that inspired centuries of folklore.
With its winding roads, surrounding marshlands and proximity to the Pine Barrens, the area feels worlds away from the bustling casinos and boardwalks just a short drive away.
Although there is no official Jersey Devil house or attraction to tour in Leeds Point, visitors can appreciate the area’s historical significance and imagine how isolated the community would have felt during the 18th century.
For those hoping to explore further, nearby public natural areas offer opportunities for birdwatching, photography and peaceful walks.
Just remember to respect private property, avoid trespassing and stay on designated public roads and trails. The legendary creature may roam freely, but visitors should not.
Spend an afternoon exploring the Pine Barrens
Of course, no Jersey Devil celebration would be complete without a trip into the Pine Barrens themselves.
Spanning more than a million acres across southern New Jersey, the Pinelands are home to some of the state’s most distinctive natural landscapes, including pitch pine forests, cedar swamps and winding rivers.
The region’s immense stretches of undeveloped land have helped keep the Jersey Devil legend alive for centuries.
Wharton State Forest offers numerous opportunities to explore the environment that inspired the folklore. Popular destinations include Batsto Village, a preserved historic ironmaking community, and hiking trails that showcase the area’s remarkable natural scenery.
Those seeking something more educational can explore the region’s history through local museums, historical societies and the Pinelands Alliance, which offers information about both the natural environment and the folklore of the region.
And while a nighttime expedition into the woods might sound like the perfect Halloween adventure, visitors should stick to open, designated areas and follow park regulations.
Take flight on the Jersey Devil Coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to soar through the Pine Barrens like the Jersey Devil himself, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson offers an opportunity to find out.
Introduced in 2021, the Jersey Devil Coaster is a towering, single-rail roller coaster that sends riders racing through a series of gravity-defying twists and turns.
The ride climbs 130 feet before plunging down an 87-degree drop, with speeds reaching approximately 58 mph. The coaster features three inversions and nearly 3,000 feet of track, offering a thrilling tribute to New Jersey’s most notorious monster.
For an especially spooky experience, plan a visit during Six Flags Fright Fest, which runs on select nights through Nov. 1 this year.
Riding the Jersey Devil Coaster after dark, surrounded by the eerie atmosphere of Fright Fest, may be the closest most visitors will ever come to experiencing the creature’s legendary nighttime flights.
Younger thrill seekers can even get in on the fun aboard the park’s Lil’ Devil Coaster, a family-friendly attraction with a considerably gentler approach to the monster’s reputation.
For tickets and operating hours, visit sixflags.com/greatadventure.
A monster worth celebrating
Few places embrace their local monsters quite like New Jersey.
What began as an eerie story passed down through generations has become a defining piece of South Jersey’s identity, inspiring businesses, sporting teams, attractions and countless creative interpretations.
Unlike many other legendary creatures, the Jersey Devil belongs to a very specific place. His story is inseparable from the sandy roads, isolated communities and shadowy forests of the Pine Barrens.
Perhaps that is why the tale continues to resonate after nearly three centuries.
The Jersey Devil represents a little bit of everything that makes South Jersey unique: history, mystery, imagination and a stubborn affection for the unusual.
Whether you’re racing through the air on a roller coaster, paddling a quiet river or enjoying a locally brewed beer, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Garden State’s most famous cryptid this Halloween.
And if you happen to hear an unfamiliar screech echoing through the woods this October, you might want to keep walking.
Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.
