The Ghost Bridge of Oak Ridge Reservoir

In the 1890s, a new reservoir was built in New Jersey to supply the growing population of Newark with fresh water. Unfortunately, the village of Oak Ridge and the smaller town of Wallace Corner were located right where the planned reservoir was set to go. The small towns were vacated, and most of its buildings torn down. But a stone bridge that connected the village to the main road was left in place so it could be used during the construction of the dam. Once the reservoir filled, it would be covered by the water. 

The bridge remains there to this day. From time to time, when there's a stretch of drought or a drawdown of the reservoir to service the dam, the bridge shows itself. You can see it right from Route 23. It is possible to access from the road, assuming the water level is low enough a very short and easy path brings you to an outcropping 400 - 500 feet from the bridge. Also in this area just south of where you step onto the outcropping is a slab of rock with two odd artifacts sticking out. One looks like a pick ax, some say they are both anchors that would have been put in place to aid in the task of either dismantling the towns or developing the reservoir.

A second, far steeper path a couple hundred feet north up Route 23 can put you on the bridge itself. This path is marked by a utility pole with an oddly placed small metal model of an antique car sitting on top.