The Parkway Phantom of the Garden State Parkway

Those who live in New Jersey whisper tales of a phantom hitchhiker who haunts the Garden State Parkway. Though officials refuse to talk about the problem, hundreds of people over the years have seen and experienced this apparition.

If you've ever been on the Garden State Parkway for yourself, you know just how long and lonely it can be. The northern part of the road is similar to other highways, but driving along the south side can be a little disturbing. Here you'll find yourself driving through small villages and spending more time deep in the woods than surrounded by other people. When there are other cars on the road, things seem fine but once the sun sets and the others cars die off, things take a darker turn.

The Parkway Phantom is the name given to the creature that haunts this desolate stretch of highway. People believe that this creature sticks to the eight miles of highway that surround exit number 82 because this is where the majority of sightings are reported. Locals also claim that this stretch of highway has seen more accidents and death than any other highway in the state.

Many of the people who have seen the Parkway Phantom claim that he resembles a regular man, tall and very skinny. The man is almost always seen standing next to the road, and many people assume he is having car problems. He waves to cars driving by, as if to ask for help. Those drivers who decide to stop pull over to the side of the road, only to discover that the man is gone. Some more adventurous drivers have even attempted to track down the Phantom, but no trace is ever found.

There are also stories told of travelers who seen the Phantom, but describe him in different terms. The original Phantom was always described in old-fashioned clothing, but newer reports claim he is wearing regular clothing that looks dirty or torn. The man appears on the same stretch of road, waving his hands over his head. This Phantom doesn't stick to the side of the road either, but actually wanders out into the middle of the road.

Those who work in this part of New Jersey are accustomed to the strange tales that visitors tell because they have heard the stories for years now, almost since the Parkway was built in the 1950's. Travelers and locals have reported seeing the strange man on the side of the road, or trying to help some poor motorist, only to have him disappear before their eyes. Many people believe that the Parkway Phantom appears several times a year at the same time.

Is there actually a ghost haunting the Garden State Parkway? Some believe that the ghost is little more than the eyes playing tricks on people, the result of driving alone late at night. Others who have experienced the Phantom though say that he is something you have to see to believe.