Branch Brook Park is a 360-acre park in Newark and Belleville, New Jersey, with more than 5,300 Japanese flowering cherry trees in 18 varieties. Spring brings the annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, while paths, lawns, lakes and other park features make it a place to visit throughout the year.
- Bloom pattern: Blossoms can appear from late March to early May, with peak bloom typically in the second and third weeks of April.
- Festival: An annual series of events takes place in the park during cherry blossom season.
- Admission: Park admission is free.
- Hours: The park is open daily from dawn until 10 p.m.
- Light rail: Take Newark Light Rail to Branch Brook Park station.
When the cherry blossoms usually draw visitors
Branch Brook Park cherry blossoms typically peak in the second and third weeks of April, though flowers may appear anytime from late March to early May. The park’s more than 5,300 Japanese flowering cherry trees represent 18 varieties, and they are spread throughout the grounds.
For a concentrated display, head to the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in the Extension Division, where the park has its densest group of trees. Prudential Concert Grove in the Southern Division has a smaller grove. Because bloom timing varies across that late-March-to-early-May window, check the Branch Brook Park Alliance’s updates before planning around peak flowers.
Check festival dates and park updates
The annual Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is a series of events held in Branch Brook Park during cherry blossom season. Its program can include activities in different park divisions, so check the official site before you go for current dates and event details.
Some festival activities use roads or specific areas of the park. If you plan to drive or attend an event, check the event information for any access changes. For a broader look at getting around Newark by bus and rail, read this guide to Newark public transport and the subway.
Choose an entrance and blossom walk
Choose your starting area based on the blossoms you want to see: the Extension Division for the densest concentration, or the Southern Division for the smaller grove at Prudential Concert Grove. The flowers are not limited to either spot; cherry trees grow throughout the park.
Branch Brook Park stretches nearly four miles from US Route 280 in Newark to Mill Street in Belleville. Its landscape includes winding paths, lawns, playing fields, streams, pools and lakes.
You can stroll, jog, cycle or bird-watch without a permit. The park is handicap accessible, and the Branch Brook Park Alliance says you can also drive through to view blossoms without leaving your vehicle.
Picnics are allowed on lawn areas, but there are no picnic tables. Barbecuing and open fires are not allowed. For a visit that pairs the park with downtown sights, this one-day Newark itinerary from downtown to the museum covers another way to plan time in the city.
How do you get to Branch Brook Park?
Newark Light Rail serves Branch Brook Park station, the stop Essex County and NJ TRANSIT recommend for reaching the park. From the station, Essex County’s directions say to walk left, go under the overpass and continue away from the tennis courts.
Branch Brook Park has multiple divisions and extends between Newark and Belleville, so use the destination within the park—not just the park name—when choosing where to begin. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Museum, Newark Library and Prudential Arena are minutes away in downtown Newark, according to Essex County.
Branch Brook Park is a Newark destination, and rooms at Mojoy Homesuites are in the same city.
Visit outside the festival season
Branch Brook Park is open every day from dawn until 10 p.m., and admission is free. Beyond blossom season, its paths, lawns, streams, pools and lakes offer space for a range of activities, including walking, jogging, cycling and bird watching.
Essex County includes skating at the roller rink and playing baseball, bocce, tennis or softball among the park’s activities. The park was conceived by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. in 1867, and work began in 1896.
FAQs
When is peak cherry blossom season at Branch Brook Park?
Peak bloom typically falls in the second and third weeks of April. Blossoms can appear from late March to early May.
Is there an entrance fee for Branch Brook Park?
No. Park admission is free.
Can you reach the park by public transit?
Yes. Take Newark Light Rail to Branch Brook Park station. Essex County directs riders to walk left, under the overpass and away from the tennis courts.
Can you picnic in the park?
Picnics are allowed on lawn areas, but the park does not have picnic tables. Barbecuing and open fires are not allowed.