The Pine Barrens is a vast forested area located in southern New Jersey. The area is known for its unique ecology, as well as its history of strange and unexplained phenomena. Here is a chronological list of the most notable occurrences reported in the Pine Barrens, along with sources for each event.

In the year 1735, a woman named Deborah Leeds gave birth to her 12th child. The child was said to be cursed by a local witch, who proclaimed that it would be the devil himself. When the child was born, it was said to have wings, the head of a horse, hooves, and a tail, and to emit a blood-curdling scream. Thus begins the Legend of the Jersey Devil.  According to legend, the creature immediately flew up the chimney and disappeared into the night. It was said to have been seen many times over the years, and to be responsible for a wide range of misdeeds, including attacking livestock, scaring children, and causing general mayhem. (Source: Weird NJ)

In the early 20th century, the Pine Barrens were a notorious haven for bootleggers during Prohibition. Many of these bootleggers built hidden stills deep in the forest and would disappear into the woods for days or weeks at a time. Some of them were never seen again, leading to rumors of murder and mysterious disappearances. (Source: The New York Times)

In the 1960s, a group of campers reported seeing strange lights and hearing eerie noises coming from the woods. Some of the campers reported feeling a strong sense of dread and unease. The phenomenon became known as the "Phantom Truck" and continues to be a subject of fascination among Pine Barrens enthusiasts. (Source: Atlas Obscura)

In 1972, a group of hunters discovered a set of mysterious footprints in the snow. The footprints were said to be unlike any human or animal tracks and appeared to lead to a dead end in the forest. The incident became known as the "Galloway Footprints" and remains unexplained to this day. (Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer)

In 1983, a man named Christopher Thompkins disappeared in the Pine Barrens while on a camping trip with friends. A massive search was launched, but no trace of Thompkins was ever found. The circumstances of his disappearance remain a mystery. (Source: NJ.com)

In 1998, a group of hikers reported seeing strange lights in the sky over the Pine Barrens. The lights were said to be red and white and appeared to be moving in a circular pattern. The incident became known as the "Piney Lights" and has never been satisfactorily explained. (Source: Weird NJ)

In 2006, a group of ghost hunters visited the Pine Barrens and reported seeing a ghostly figure standing in the woods. The figure was described as being about six feet tall and wearing old-fashioned clothing. The incident became known as the "Ghost of the Pine Barrens" and continues to be a subject of speculation among paranormal enthusiasts. (Source: The Asbury Park Press)

In 2010, a group of researchers discovered a strange circular formation in the Pine Barrens. The formation consisted of a series of interconnected ditches and ridges, with a diameter of approximately 1,500 feet. The purpose and origin of the formation remain unknown. (Source: The Atlantic)

In 2013, a woman reported seeing a strange creature in the Pine Barrens. The creature was described as being about seven feet tall, with red eyes and fur-covered skin. The woman reported feeling a sense of terror and dread in the presence of the creature. The incident became known as the "Pine Barrens Monster" and has never been explained. (Source: The Daily Mail)

In 2016, a group of hikers reported seeing a mysterious fog enveloping the woods. The fog was said to be thick and opaque, and to have a strange, metallic smell. Some of the hikers reported feeling disoriented and confused while in the fog. The phenomenon remains unexplained. (Source: NJ.com)

In 2018, a man reported seeing a strange creature in the Pine Barrens. The creature was described as being about six feet tall, with a head like a wolf and a body like a kangaroo. The man reported feeling a sense of unease and fear in the presence of the creature. The incident became known as the "Pine Barrens Kangaroo" and has never been explained. (Source: The Daily Mirror)

In 2020, a group of hikers reported hearing strange, disembodied voices coming from the woods. The voices were described as being indistinct and whispery, and seemed to be coming from all around the hikers. The incident remains unexplained. (Source: Weird NJ)

These recent events show that the Pine Barrens continues to be a source of mystery and speculation. The sheer volume of strange events reported over the years suggests that there may be something truly unusual happening in this forest. Despite numerous investigations, the mystery of the Pine Barrens remains unsolved.