Did you know, Branch Brook Park in Newark, New Jersey, has the largest single collection in the…read moreUnited States, with about 5,300 trees in 18 varieties. April is the time to go as they are in their peak bloom season. You will be rewarded with beautiful and scenic walking trails and picnic lunches under cherry blossoms. The park runs its annual Cherry Blossom Festival as well as multiple events such as the Cherry Blossom Bike Race Challenge, and the Cherry Blossom 10K run that happened last Sunday, April 12th. The weather was excellent, and there was plenty of community pride as everyone showed up. You can also be a spectator, should you choose to, if you don't want to partake in the run. Family Day will be taking place on April 18th. For those who wish to take in the scenery only, the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center renovation has been completed since last Fall of 2023. Inside, there are comfortable bathrooms, an artificial but exceptional-looking year-round cherry blossom tree in full bloom, and a souvenir center where you can purchase sweatshirts, t-shirts, etc. Proceeds benefit Branch Brook Park Alliance in care of the park, according to the Branch Brook Park's website. The entire Welcome Center has a modern and open feel throughout the building as it has plenty of natural lighting and high vaulted ceilings. As you enter, to your immediate right, you will find the gallery space with historical displays and a mural depicting the vast collection of cherry blossoms and their history. If you are ever in the area, this is absolutely worth a visit and yes, it is completely free.

THE GOOD -----------------…read more+ Large, scenic park with LOTS and lots and lots of cherry blossoms (more than in Washington D.C.!) for viewing during Cherry Blossom season. + On specific days, during the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, there are special events - such as Family Day, Bloomfest - which include the presence of food trucks and activities (bounce castles, music) for kids. + Trails are easily walkable by people of all ages. + There is a clean, large playground, basketball courts towards the southeast end of the park. + A majority of the park encompasses a lake and a pond, which makes the walking very serene. + Parking is allowed inside of the park along the roads, so feel free to drive into it instead of parking outside of the park. THE NOT SO GOOD ----------------------------- - On those verrrrry popular days to visit (e.g., weekends during the Cherry Blossom Festival), parking can be chaotic inside of the park, so come early in the morning and bring your patience. MIXED THOUGHTS ---------------------------- = Nada. RANDOM OBSERVATIONS -------------------------------------- = Nada.

If you're looking for one of the best skyline views of New York City, Hamilton Park is a must. No…read morematter the season, the view is breathtaking especially at sunrise or sunset, when the city is painted in golden tones. This spot feels like a hidden gem only locals know about. It's peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a quiet walk, a photo session, or just relaxing with a coffee while enjoying the view. There's public parking, and depending on the day, you might even find an ice cream truck. A few blocks away, you'll find restaurants and cafes, making it a great stop before or after a meal. You can even walk or bike the entire stretch from Weehawken to West New York along the waterfront. Whenever I'm in the area, I make it a point to stop here even just for a few minutes. It never disappoints.

Its a nice park with a good running track - you cannot beat the views of NYC - it closes early…read morethough - but its kept in good condition

A nice area for hiking/walking that has some wide paths and not so overgrown. There are plenty of…read moretrails to diverge from. Hemlock Falls seems to be a draw and is very nice to relax around but can get a little crowded. Because there are multiple parking lots with easy accessibility, there's a bit of trash and broken glass here and there which is unfortunate. There were quite a few hikers, trail runners and dogs but it never felt claustrophobic. The hikes aren't that difficult but there are quite a few rocks and protruding tree roots. Montclair is less than 10 minutes if you want a bite to eat afterwards.

Great walk. Nothing like a walk through nature. Taking in the sights and sounds, what a beautiful…read morething!!!

Love coming to this park for a walk during my lunch break. It has a bathroom that's open from April…read moreto October and it is kept clean. They also have water stations to refill your water bottle. Overall, this place makes me feel secure and safe to walk around with headphones on.

Great place for kids. This park features a baseball field, lots of running space, and jungle gyms…read morefor all ages. This park has water fountain, bike parking, bathrooms, and trash cans available. I have been here a couple times to run as well as with family to enjoy the kids park. It can get a little crowded during peak hours but besides that it's a great place. Parking is available when you show up, not many cars can fit in the lot. If you ride your bike here the parking is by the jungle gyms. Bathrooms and water fountains are by the parking lot. If you're going for a run you can start by the baseball field and loop around behind the jungle gym. Park has a section of cherry blossoms which is nice too. If you picnic please take your trash with you, it's not a cute look. Enjoy your visit ! I know I did!

Tucked into the southwest corner of Essex County's South Mountain Reservation, this historic…read more28-acre public garden -- with its carefully curated and terraced gardens, fountains, and winding paths -- feels like a trip to another time and place. After spotting a social media post about the garden's Cascade fountain reopening after a 16-month restoration, my walking companion and I decided to check out this hidden gem. Greenwood Gardens was a private family estate until 2003, when it opened to the public under the auspices of a non-profit organization, and you can really feel that rich tapestry of the families' history as you wander through the grounds. The highlight of our visit was the Cascade fountain, which now features water flowing through it for the first time since the early 20th century! If you're looking for a peaceful, historic, and beautiful place to stroll, Greenwood Gardens is absolutely worth the visit. We'll definitely be back! Pro Tip #1: Plan on about 75-90 minutes for a self-guided walking tour, buy tickets online in advance ($15 for adults aged 14 to 64; $10 for Seniors aged 65+; $5 for children aged 5 to 13), and wear weather-appropriate attire/walking shoes. Pro Tip #2: Leave your tripod at home. Casual photos on your phone are welcome, but portrait or staged photography (for events, engagements, graduations, etc.) requires prior permission and special facility booking.

A dreamy, charming little escape with tons of greenery, statues, structures, and fountains. Even on…read morea weekend it wasn't crowded, so my fam could take pictures without cropping out strangers. Really friendly staff gave the kids a scavenger hunt page that turned our visit into part garden tour, part treasure hunt. Between the terraces, tile work, grottoes, and gardens, the whole place blends European formality with a whimsical, art nouveau vibe. Plenty of benches invite you to sit and talk, while fenced-in chickens, geese, and beehives bring the grounds to life. The gardens feel peaceful, playful, and magical all at once. The beauty here is truly un-beleaf-able! NOTES/TIPS: **Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/students, and $5 for kids, with free parking close by. **Very limited wheelchair-accessibility: okay for the Main Terrace and some flat areas, but most paths are sloped or uneven, so access is limited. **Restrooms near the entrance.

There's something for everyone in this little park. If you want to stroll around and see the…read morePassaic River at it's best, or worst (depending on how you want to look at things).The Red Bull soccer Stadium is also right across the river here and all the brand new apartments in Harrison the town accross. The park has tennis courts, baseball stadium, basketball court, soccer field, runners track and a little kids playground as well. The park is fairly clean and you can even watch the teachers take the pre-schoolers on a little walk as well weekly. In my opinion this is a great example that with little changes and everyone taking pride in their community the city of Newark can be restored to the great city it was back in the time of the great Industrial Boom.

Riverbank Park in the Ironbound has a number of sports-designated areas. There are a basketball…read morecourt, a soccer field with AstroTurf, a baseball field, lighted tennis courts, and a small track. A playground and fieldhouse are also in this park by the Passaic River. If you are not into sports, it's worth visiting at least once if you are into history. It's on the National Register of Historic Places because Riverbank Park was designed by the Olmsted brothers. It's a nice park for sports-aficionados and history buffs.

The playground, beach, and park are the best attractions at Newport Green…read more The park is a huge green lawn with multiple gardens filled with beautiful flowers. Its a solid option for a chill walk or picnic on a beautiful day. The playground attracts families from all around. Although the spaces is relatively small when compared to alternatives found in places like Liberty State Park, it is packed with multiple play areas and jungle gyms for different age groups. It even has a merry-go-round and old school London-style phone booth - totally random but welcome additions. During the summers the splash pad is a hit with the little ones. Finally, the artificial beach right near the edge of the river is a perfect spot to chill at and enjoy a glamours view of the city skyline. Best of all, beach chairs are already provided! The tradeoff: there are no public bathrooms. Whether you are on a date, with family, or just walking the dog, Park at Newport Green is a must-see spot in Hudson County NJ.

Amazing waterfront in Newport, Jersey City, NJ…read more 1) Some of the best view of NYC. 2) There are landmarks around this waterfront like Water's Soul and Lighthouse Point. 3) Also, get an amazing view of Newport, Jersey City, NJ skyline.

A great place to walk. Safe, great river views. Bathrooms facilities, tennis and basketball courts…read more One of my favorite places.

Excellent park. 1)…read moreThe park is located next to the Little Brazil area of Newark, NJ. Great place to Brazilian food and come here to walk it off. 2) The park has great riverside views. If you are around the area, it is a must visit park. 3) The only downside is, some of the people who come to the lack civic sense, and throw trash everywhere.

A quiet loop of trees, bridges, and paths-- tucked between…read moreiron fences and red rooftops. Shot this on a weekday afternoon. Light was soft, wind was slow. If you're in North Jersey and need a place to walk, think, or just sit under a tree--this one's for you. Shot on Fujifilm X-T4.

Beautiful park to walk through play sports even enjoy a picnic on a. Beautiful day. Soo much to do…read moreand enjoy joy here. I met the love of my life here

LOCKDOWN REVIEW: Independence Park has continued to serve as a community park for residents in the…read moreneighborhood all during throughout the executive order.  People still walk, jog, and run around the perimeter of the park. Like all other parks, the sections where social distancing cannot be practiced are closed (there's signage throughout the park) - like the playground and various sports courts/fields.  It's one of the more beautiful parks in Newark. In fact, it was designed by the Olmsted brothers, the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted who designed Central Park.

Independence park is a nice park that looks like it has it's fair share of use as it is in the…read morecenter of a neighborhood and thus makes the area look nice. It's stated to be 12.6 acres and features all you want in a decent park - athletic fields, basketball courts, a playground and walking paths. The park is in the Ironbound/Down Neck part of Newark but is said to be the smallest, only beaten by Riverside park. It's also said that this park was to be called East side park, but Independence park is more fitting. Each part of Newark seems to have their own park and this one fits the area nicely. With the many schools nearby it's likely favored by the kids after school lets out. The park looks well kept and that is fitting as the area surrounding it is nice as well.