Branch Brook Park

Thinking about going for the first time tomorrow. Are the cherry blossoms at peak ( or did I miss it last weekend)? Where in the park is the best place to arrive and park?

It was beautiful yesterday, but cold, hepefully today's wind won't effect the blossoms, should still be lovely this weekend.

Warinaco Park in Elizabeth/Roselle is also an Olmstead Park, and has a magnificent Cherry Blossom display, right now.

https://unioncountyre.wordpress.com/2014/04/18/cherry-blossoms-in-nj/

Okay. But isn't Branch Brook the largest in the country? Isn't that the best option? Why would I go to the onein Elizabeth over Branch Brook?

And any advice for where to park or will it all be very clearly signed?

The largest what?  Warinanco has more cherry trees than Washington DC, but is is smaller  in area than Branch Brook. It's a lovely park. I was making a suggestion because Warinanco is usually a week or 2 behind Newark in blossoming peak.

It wasn't a competition con, it was a suggestion.

Geez, chill. Different timing for blooming is a great reason to suggest a different park which is why I asked the REASON for the recommendation.

I thought Branch Brook was the largest Cherry blossom display in the entire USA?  Like "the" cherry blossom display.  If we are going to spend the time and they are equally close, I want to go to the largest, most blooming one.  if you think the one in Roselle might be in better bloom, then we may re-think it.

Other opinions?

Went to Branch Brook  Park yesterday.  Cold, but trees were lovely, and plenty of them.  I would tthink the weekend, especially Sunday would be to crowded.. You just have to look around for parking and we parked 3 times in different locations.  Ilene

conandrob240 said:

And any advice for where to park or will it all be very clearly signed?

It's Newark. The signage is terrible and the web site isn't very helpful. Also the park is 2 miles long, so it's very easy to end up in the wrong section of the park (only a small area has the trees).  

Maybe some of you remember Bamberger's Department Store that was acquired by Macy's. Bamberger's estate was where the EO Veteran's Hospital is today. His sister gave the cherry trees in Branch Brook Park. They were very philanthropic and he donated the Newark Museum. Just a touch of history!

Love that! My mom used to work for Bamberger's in the Livingston Mall. 

The trees are primarily in the northern section of the park.  Many trees are blooming now, but some have not started yet.

annemarie said:

conandrob240 said:

And any advice for where to park or will it all be very clearly signed?

It's Newark. The signage is terrible and the web site isn't very helpful. Also the park is 2 miles long, so it's very easy to end up in the wrong section of the park (only a small area has the trees).  

 Okay. Any advice then on where/ how to park?

tomcat said:

The trees are primarily in the northern section of the park.  Many trees are blooming now, but some have not started yet.

 That is helpful. Thank you!

So, it seems from some of these posts that the trees are not at their peak yet? If so, would next weekend be better?

The trees are at their peak. There's no parking lot in that area that I've ever found. You just park along the road. If you go over the weekend, prepare for it to be a total PITA. We went last weekend for the festival and opted to take the direct bus from SO (92). It was 40 minutes each way and a total dream. I would never drive there on festival weekend again. 

Okay. That is very helpful, thank you. I understand now why I'd be concerned about crowds. Maybe we'll drive to SO and take the bus. Does it go right where you'd want to be? Where do you get off?

Get off at the hospital stop. Then cross the street into the park. You'll see the trees! If you have a NY Monthly, it should cover it (the bus is only 2 zones) so we only paid $2.35 for my husband's ticket. 

We parked in the lot at the Welcome center today without a problem . The trees in bloom are in the Belleville area of the park, I.e. The northern end, near Mill St. 

There are over 5,000 cherry trees in Branch Brook Park. It's a very impressive display. 

late to the party! anyone know if the blooms at Warinanco  are still good? thanks!

We took a quick trip out there between errands last Saturday afternoon.  Were only there for a few minutes, but it was beautiful.  Here are some pictures I took so everyone can live vicariously through us!

We go to see the cherry blossoms at Branch Brook Park every year.  We've never had to park alongside the road, we always park at the welcome center parking lot.  An added bonus is that if it is during regular hours then the normal rest rooms are open and you aren't forced to choose between a port-a-potty or holding it.  

We went last Friday and they were at peak, so I'm not sure if they're still out in force by now.

There are different species of cherry trees... Some bloom earlier than others... When some of the trees loose their blossoms there are others that are just blossoming... That's why it lasts several weekends