The New Jersey tourist attraction recently listed among the most dangerous in the United States is the Heritage Minerals site, also known colloquially as the “ASARCO” site or “Crystal Lake,” located in Manchester Township, New Jersey. This site is notorious for its beauty paired with deadly hazards, making it a significant cautionary spot for visitors.
Location of the Heritage Minerals Site
The Heritage Minerals site is situated in Manchester Township within Ocean County, New Jersey. It lies nestled in the Pine Barrens region, between Routes 37 and 70, and spans approximately 7,000 acres. Multiple access points serve nearby towns including Manchester, Berkeley, Lakehurst, and Toms River, making it an accessible but dangerous destination.
Why the Site is Dangerous
Despite its stunning aquamarine waters and expansive sandy trails, the Heritage Minerals site is an illegal, private property that has become a proven deathtrap. Its origins as a former mining quarry have left deep excavations filled with water, creating deceptively attractive lakes with unstable shorelines and sudden drop-offs exceeding 60 feet.
The cold, mineral-rich water lowers buoyancy, exhausting swimmers quickly and leading to multiple drownings over the years.
The site also carries environmental hazards, including a 45-acre area of low-level radioactive tailings from past mining operations, adding to the peril. Trespassing here is illegal and strictly enforced due to safety and environmental concerns.
History of Tragedies
The site was once operated by the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) for mining titanium, zircon, uranium, and thorium, leaving behind large aquifer-fed pits. Since mining halted in the 1980s, the natural hazards have led to frequent fatalities and injuries.
Numerous drownings have been reported, including fatal incidents as recent as 2024. The dangerous terrain has also caused serious ATV and vehicle crashes, with the site attracting thrill-seekers unaware of its risks. Law enforcement has reported frequent encounters with trespassers despite clear “No Trespassing” signs.
Enforcement and Public Warning
Manchester Township Police have ramped up enforcement with operations issuing hundreds of citations for trespassing and illegal use of off-road vehicles. The site’s size and multiple entry points make policing difficult, but officials maintain a zero-tolerance approach.
Authorities strongly warn the public to avoid the area, emphasizing that the allure of the water and trails is overshadowed by the extreme dangers. Police and local officials urge respecting the property boundaries to prevent further loss of life.
The Heritage Minerals site in Manchester Township, New Jersey, stands out as one of the most dangerous tourist attractions in the US due to its mix of natural beauty, former industrial hazards, and a troubling history of deaths and accidents.
Visitors should exercise extreme caution and respect legal boundaries, as the risks here far outweigh the appeal. For thrill-seekers and tourists considering a visit, this location is best admired from afar for safety’s sake.
Sources
(https://reolink.com/blog/most-dangerous-cities-in-new-jersey/)
(https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2025/04/17/new-jerseys-most-dangerous-and-illegal-tourism-destination-and-why-you-should-avoid-it/)
(https://nypost.com/2025/08/05/lifestyle/these-are-the-most-dangerous-summer-vacation-destinations-in-the-us-for-2025/)
(https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g28951-Activities-New_Jersey.html)
(https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/york-retreat-ranks-among-most-135714142.html)
