New Jersey is home to a site that has earned a notorious reputation as one of the most dangerous tourist attractions in the United States: the Heritage Minerals property, commonly known as the “ASARCO” site or “Crystal Lake,” in Manchester Township. Its alluring aquamarine waters and sandy trails have drawn thousands of thrill-seekers, but beneath the surface lies a deadly history of drownings, accidents, and environmental hazards.
A Deceptive Oasis
The Heritage Minerals site spans 7,000 acres in the Pine Barrens between Routes 37 and 70. Originally a mining quarry operated by ASARCO and later Heritage Minerals, the site was mined for titanium, zircon, and other minerals from the 1970s until the early 1980s. Mining operations dug deep into the earth, breaching the water table and creating massive, aquifer-fed lakes—some up to 80 feet deep.
These lakes are visually stunning, with crystal-clear, blue-green water that resembles a tropical paradise. However, the beauty is deceptive. The water is much colder and less buoyant than natural lakes, making swimming far more dangerous. The shorelines are unstable, with sudden drop-offs and collapsing banks that can trap even experienced swimmers.
A Record of Tragedy
Heritage Minerals has been the site of numerous fatalities and injuries:
- Drownings: The cold, dense water and unpredictable terrain have led to several deaths. In July 2024, 18-year-old Victor Arias-Peralta drowned while attempting to swim across Crystal Lake. Just a month earlier, 33-year-old Edwin Toro-Mejia died after a leg cramp left him unable to reach shore. Other victims include a 22-year-old man in 2021, a 17-year-old in 2015, and a Plainfield man in 2020.
- ATV and Vehicle Crashes: The site’s sandy trails attract off-road enthusiasts, but the soft, shifting terrain has caused deadly accidents. In December 2020, a man died when his utility terrain vehicle overturned in deep water, trapping him underwater. Numerous other crashes and injuries have been reported over the years.
- Environmental Hazards: Beyond physical dangers, the site contains a 45-acre area with low-level radioactive tailings from past mining operations, regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Why Is It So Dangerous?
Several factors make Heritage Minerals uniquely hazardous:
- Artificial Lake Structure: Unlike natural lakes, the quarry’s steep, unstable banks and sudden drop-offs can catch swimmers off guard. The lack of gradual shallows means swimmers can quickly find themselves in deep, cold water.
- Water Quality: The water’s high mineral content reduces buoyancy, making it harder to stay afloat. The low temperature can also cause muscle cramps and rapid exhaustion, even for strong swimmers.
- Unpredictable Terrain: The soft sand and gravel can collapse beneath feet or vehicles, leading to entrapment or accidents.
- No Legal Access or Safety Measures: The property is private, posted with “No Trespassing” signs, and lacks lifeguards or emergency services. Despite this, social media posts have glamorized the site, drawing crowds unaware of the dangers.
Law Enforcement Response
Manchester Township Police and other local agencies have stepped up enforcement, issuing hundreds of citations and fines for trespassing, illegal vehicle use, and other violations. In July 2022 alone, a multi-agency operation resulted in 221 citations, including 90 criminal violations. Police have adopted a “no warning” policy, emphasizing that trespassing is not only illegal but potentially deadly.
A Persistent Allure
Despite repeated tragedies and legal risks, the Heritage Minerals site continues to attract visitors, particularly in warmer months. Its reputation as a “hidden gem” on social media belies the grim reality: the site is a proven deathtrap. As Manchester police warn, what appears to be an “unassuming, beautiful-looking lake” is in fact “extremely unpredictable and extremely dangerous”.
Other Notorious New Jersey Attractions
While Heritage Minerals stands out for its ongoing dangers, New Jersey has been home to other infamous sites, such as Action Park in Vernon Township. Action Park, which operated from 1978 to 1996, was known for its poorly designed rides and lack of safety protocols, resulting in countless injuries and several deaths. However, Action Park is now closed, while Heritage Minerals remains an active risk due to ongoing trespassing.
The Heritage Minerals site in Manchester, New Jersey, is among the most dangerous tourist attractions in the US, with a history of fatal drownings, vehicle accidents, and environmental hazards. Its deceptive beauty, combined with social media hype and lack of legal access, continues to lure visitors—often with tragic consequences. Authorities urge the public to stay away, warning that the cost of trespassing could be your life.
Sources:
- https://travel.alot.com/themes/the-10-most-dangerous-tourist-attractions–10189
- https://www.shorenewsnetwork.com/2025/04/17/new-jerseys-most-dangerous-and-illegal-tourism-destination-and-why-you-should-avoid-it/
- https://nj1015.com/man-drowns-swimming-across-dangerous-manchester-nj-lake/
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/action-park-water-ride-americas-most-dangerous-new-jersey-a9163541.html
- https://www.aol.com/crystal-lake-manchester-looks-oasis-092614043.html
