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The Blue Hole–

It should be noted that “the Blue Hole” refers to a specific lake of many similar ones in the area. Also known as “The Devil’s Bathtub”, it exists on state land. The lake is 130 feet across, the sandy bottom consists of a type of quicksand, and the water remains at a constant 50 degrees farenheight throughout the summer. There is no live vegetation present in the pond, and the water is always blue (except for swamp overflow in the early spring). The former may be due to salt deposits, and the latter may be due to copper deposits. This location is said to be one of the lurking places of the Jersey Devil and a possible hangout spot for Sand-hill Cranes; confusing things even further. There have also been reports of Feral and Devil Dogs who roam the vicintity of the Blue Hole which you needed to beware of not long ago.

There are several theories on how this lake was formed; one is by an underground waterway shifting through time which formed an empty chasm including a hot or cold spring (depending on who you ask) in the center. It was once mentioned that there are warm spots which give out steam in the winter, supporting claims of a hot spring. The most popular account for the lake’s formation is by meteorite, as the edges slope upward to support this claim. Decades past it was said to be bottomless, as several scientists had supposedly dropped weights into the water and were never able to judge the full depth (there are a dozen variations of this story). More recently, there was a claim that the sandy bottom lies only 7 feet under the surface, directly in the middle of the lake.

Either way, this has been a place of legend for some time due to various reasons and not only its depth. Despite its chilling temperature, the clear blue water seems to invite people for a swim. It is said that parents of decades past constantly warned their children not to swim there, claiming that “the devil” would drag them down into oblivion. There have been incidents of people feeling something grab at their ankles while swimming, giving this lake its alternate name mentioned above. According to unconfirmed reports, several people have drowned or otherwise died in this lake for unknown reasons-the Jersey Devil is blamed. Suspecting this lake to be a favorite lurking place of the creature, locals used to set traps for it, and there are photographs of these in existence (You may soon find these on the site). As for another mysterious quality, some less reputable sources say that the bottom of the blue hole is a porthole to another realm which the Jersey Devil uses constantly.

The lake was much easier to navigate to until the nearby bridge over Egg Harbor river was almost fully dismantled, forcing people to walk the long way around the river’s bend (otherwise trudge through its murky depths). Although not repairing the bridge, local senior citizens recently created signs and a marked a path to the location. This was an attempt to ensure it is not lost in time, so that people can forever continue to enjoy this mysterious place.

[Video has been added for this vicinity under Land of the Devil exclusive videos.]

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Coming shortly will be an excerpt regarding the Blue Hole from a book titled "Fare to Midlands" by Henry Beck.

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Directions to the Blue Hole: (These are the 3 easiest ways to reach the blue hole on foot, quickest first and longest last).

Trudge the Egg Harbor river: Begin at the intersection of E. Piney Hollow Road and S. Black Horse Pike. Take E. Piney Hollow Road which runs North-East from the intersection. After 1.25 miles, you will have crossed 2 streams and seen a "Winslow Wildlife Management" sign on your left which followed a slight bend in the road. After the sign, a trail cuts off on the left; take it. Make no turns, and continue forward for almost exactly 1/2 mile. The trees will open up and there will be a large deposit of sand which leads forward into the river. There will be remains of a bridge at this point and you can trudge across to the trail on the other side. Continue on the trail for another 150 feet and the Blue Hole will be on your left side. Pic1 Pic2

Manuever across the log bridge: Follow the directions above, only when you come to the broken bridge you'll need to head southbound along the river until you come to the set of fallen trees which span the distance of the river. Once you cross on them, continue back northbound thru the briars until you hit the trail which can be seen from the broken bridge area. Head east on the trail from that point and the lake can be seen on the left side, after about 150 feet. Pic1

Walk around the shotgun range: This is the absolute easiest way to reach the Blue Hole without getting wet or walking through briar patches. It is definetely the recommended method. Follow the directions from above, the only difference being you'll want to park in the shotgun range (not the archery range) parking lot which is found on the left, before the trail used in the above methods. Exit your vehicle and continue down the obvious trail. Make no turns until the main trail cuts 90 degrees left, at this point take your first right (not your second right). This trail doesn't begin until a short distance from the main trail, making it difficult to see. Once you're on this trail, you will see various blue spray-paint blotches on the pines next to the trail. After almost exactly 1000 feet you will see the Blue Hole on your right side. Notice that the broken bridge and river will be 150 feet further. Pic1 Pic2