Bernards Township, Somerset County, New Jersey
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| Photo: Wikipedia |
Standing alone in a quiet stretch of land in Somerset County is a solitary oak tree that locals have avoided for generations. Known simply as The Devil’s Tree, it carries a reputation far heavier than its branches. While it looks unremarkable at first glance, stories surrounding the tree have turned it into one of New Jersey’s most unsettling legends.
The tree’s isolation is part of what makes it unsettling. Unlike a forest where trees blend together, the Devil’s Tree stands apart, exposed and singular, drawing attention in a way that feels intentional. Over time, this lone presence has become the center of whispered warnings and uneasy folklore.
A History Wrapped in Legend
Several versions of the Devil’s Tree story have circulated for decades. One of the most frequently repeated claims is that the surrounding land was once used for violent acts, including executions or lynchings. According to legend, the suffering that occurred there permanently marked the tree and the ground beneath it.
Another version of the story tells of a local man who allegedly murdered his family and then took his own life by hanging himself from the tree. In some tellings, he cursed the land with his final breath, binding something dark to the oak that has never fully left.
As with many long-standing legends, there is no definitive historical record confirming these events took place at this exact location. However, the persistence of the stories — passed down through generations — has cemented the Devil’s Tree as a place people instinctively avoid.
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| Photo: Devil's Tree, by Sam O’Brien |
Warnings and Unexplained Misfortune
Local folklore strongly warns against damaging the tree in any way. Those who have attempted to carve into the bark, break branches, or cut the tree down are said to have suffered immediate misfortune afterward. Reports include vehicles stalling or crashing shortly after leaving the area, unexplained injuries, and a sudden string of bad luck that begins the same day.
Because of repeated vandalism over the years, protective measures were eventually placed around the base of the tree. Even so, stories of consequences have continued to circulate, reinforcing the belief that the Devil’s Tree is not something to be tested.
Strange Details That Add to the Unease
Beyond its dark reputation, the Devil’s Tree is associated with a number of unusual physical details. Some claim the tree feels warm to the touch even during winter months. Others report an overwhelming sense of dread when standing nearby, as if being watched or unwelcome.
Perhaps the most visually striking detail appears in winter photographs. In several images, snow blankets the surrounding ground in thick layers, yet the base of the Devil’s Tree remains completely clear. A wide, sharply defined circle of bare earth surrounds the trunk, untouched by snow.
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| Photo: Mr Local History Project |
About the Winter Melt
I'm no science expert so heres what I learned with research: From a scientific perspective, snow can melt faster around trees due to a combination of factors. Tree trunks and root systems can retain heat, dark bark can absorb sunlight even in colder months, and ground warmth beneath the soil can contribute to localized melting. Wind patterns and freeze–thaw cycles may also play a role.
That said, the depth of snow visible in these photographs — combined with the unusually wide and clean melt ring — has caused many observers to pause. While this effect may have a natural explanation, its appearance is striking and has only added to the Devil’s Tree’s unsettling reputation.
Writer’s note: As I said, I am not a scientist, but with snow appearing several inches deep and frozen throughout the surrounding area, the complete absence of even a light dusting near the trunk does seem unusual. Whether coincidence or simply an uncommon natural occurrence, it’s easy to understand why this detail has become part of the legend.
A Place Best Left Undisturbed
Today, the Devil’s Tree still stands — scarred, isolated, and surrounded by stories that refuse to fade. Some dismiss the legends entirely, while others believe the land holds a darkness born from human cruelty, fear, and memory. Whether cursed or simply misunderstood, the tree continues to unsettle those who know its story.
Important Notice: The Devil’s Tree is located on or near private property. The exact location is intentionally not provided. Landowners do not welcome visitors, and those who attempt to approach the site without permission may be removed or face trespassing charges. Respect for private property and local residents is essential.