Franklin Lakes, New Jersey - Gravity-Defying Exit Ramp

Your two most recent contributors on the Franklin Lakes Gravity Hill are relying on the past. Route 208 merged in construction in places with Interstate Route 287. For over 10 years this exit has been filled in to recombine with the hill it was an original part of. In the '70s. when I was in high school, there were soooo many looking for something scary. On numerous occasions I brought my dad's level to show others how gullible they can be. (albeit this was a NEAT stunt!). Even some of the guys didn't believe (or want to believe) when this lil' girl brought out a standard level -- that I must have altered the tool. [Rev. L. Max, 11/25/2003]

The hill is actually an exit ramp for Ewing Avenue off Route 208 South in Franklin Lakes. As kids we used to do this little trick all the time until the cops caught wind of it. It was actually pretty dangerous rolling backwards up the hill. Since it's an exit ramp there was always the possibility of a car speeding off the highway into your rear end. I, somehow, managed to not get killed. [Mark Roth, 11/24/1998]

[RA: March 2003: Dave Brisco writes "One very major drawback is that it's a busy off ramp and the Franklin Lakes Police patrol constantly and will give a very expensive ticket if they catch you. I have been there many times since someone showed me in the '80s, and couldn't resist trying it again last week. Didn't get caught this time, but the time before got a 15 minute lecture and (luckly) a written warning. It is a dangerous spot to play around, so not a good idea to try."]

The off ramp on Route 208 that appears to go downhill but when car is in neutral and brake is released the car will go back "up" the hill. No sign, and it is only known by the locals. [Al Hallow, 07/15/1997]