Probably one of the least visited and least known ghost towns in southern New Jersey, Fries Mill can be found in the Manumuskin River Preserve. The “official” way to get to it involves a 1.25 mile hike, though it seems there’s a way for ATV’s and dirt bikes to get there as well (both of which are illegal in the preserve; be responsible and just hike to it).
I had a book signing in Vineland one weekend, and I knew it would be the only time for a long time I’d be in the area. So I woke up about 4 hours earlier than planned and hoped I’d have time to both hike the 2.5 mile round trip and find the ghost town. I had some trouble finding the beginning of the trail but I managed. I pretty much jogged the first half mile or so, trying to buy myself as much time as I could. About 20 minutes into my trek I came across this:
A fireplace right along the water. I would find out this was a bit of a distance away from anything else. Before hunting down the rest of the town, I made a small side trip to see a place known as the Blue Lagoon, which was only a few hundred feet through the woods.
Unlike the Blue Hole, this was actually blue. Well, after the first few feet anyway. I heard some ATV’s across the water so I hurried back through the woods so they wouldn’t come over my way.
Back on the path, I finally came across even more ruins of Fries Mill. I found the remains of 2 buildings this time, right next to each other.
Here’s a tip. See that spiky plant in the corner there? If you ever come across one of these while hiking, chances are good you’re near a ghost town or ruins of some sort.
Farther up the trail is a sign that gives some information on the town and has a map of its layout. Across from the sign are your run-of-the-mill cellar holes.
We visited this recently, thanks to The Wanderer’s suggestion and it was pretty neat!
Amazing view of the “Blue Lagoon” can be found while you hike through the barrens and come across the ruins. We plan to go back very soon!
I was born in Fries Mill,N.j. in 1932, Swam in the summer and Ice skated in the winter at Wilsons lake. My father had the bar & restaurant called Cedar Lake Inn back in the 20s and 30s. When I was a young boy I picked peaches for George and Seymore Wilson who had several peach orchards around Fries Mill. Wilsons lake was quite the spot. people came down from Phily by the truck loads. Rex and Ruby Johnson came up from Marco Island,Florida every year to open the lake and amuisements. I swam in that lake every summer and Ice skated every winter.
If any of you reading this and remenber the old times, Please get in touch with me, I would love to hear from you. I now live in Port Saint Lucie,Fl. and enjoying life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Allen Sturts
allensturts@gmail.com
Hi there! Where did you park when you hiked to Fries Mills Ruins? It looks like there’s parking at the end of Sooner Landing Road (since it’s a dead end road) – is that where you started? Google Maps wants me to take Port Elizabeth Road (646) but I don’t see any sort of landing/clearing/parking area. If you remember (I know this post is from like 10 years ago!) I would really appreciate it!
We actually just went there again last month. We park at the end of Barth Road off Delsea Drive and hike in. It’s about 1.25-1.5 miles from this trailhead. Hope this helps.
Hi. I was born in 1955. My family had a cabin/house on Wilson’s Lake. We vacationed there from the 50’s thru the late 60’s. I visited last year. I’m looking for info/pictures etc. Does the Clayton Museum more information? Thanks for any help you can give me.
Looking for more info on Wilson’s Lake.