MANCHESTER, NJ — As temperatures cool and fall settles in, officials are once again warning thrill-seekers to stay away from one of New Jersey’s most dangerous and illegal destinations: the Heritage Minerals site, also known as the “ASARCO” site or “Crystal Lake,” in Manchester Township.

This 7,000-acre expanse, tucked deep in the Pine Barrens between Routes 37 and 70, continues to attract curious visitors drawn to its glowing blue lakes and sandy trails. But behind its scenic surface lies a deadly history of drownings, ATV crashes, and environmental contamination. The property is strictly off-limits, yet trespassing remains a persistent and growing problem—especially during holiday weekends like Labor Day.

Why New Jersey’s most dangerous ‘hidden gem’ is off-limits this fall, and why pol

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