Essex County Branch Brook Park has the largest and most varied collection of Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom trees in the United States; with 5,300 in 18 varieties.
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Branch Brook Park Alliance provides ongoing stewardship to the renowned collection of Japanese flowering cherry blossom trees in Essex County Branch Brook Park. Our team is comprised of a lean, but impactful staff, supported by thousands of dedicated volunteers, year-round. We encourage everyone who enjoys the experience of the season to join us in contributing. Interested in helping us grow our cherry blossom collection? Please check out our Adopt-A-Tree program here.
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Volunteers Needed
Adopt-A-Tree
If you are looking to support Branch Brook Park Alliance, the park conservancy, and our efforts in preserving, restoring, and renewing Essex County Branch Brook Park, please click here to find more ways to help.
Historic & Horticulture Walking Tours
Our expert tour guides have a wealth of knowledge to share about the Park's history. Whether you're looking for enriching family time, a fun exploration in your own background, or a new experience in the City of Newark and Township of Belleville, our tours have something for you.
Bloom Watch April 2025
Click a button below on the best way for you to watch our Cherry Blossoms bloom!
Cherry Blossom Festival Events 2025
Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs annually hosts a series of events in Branch Brook Park during the Cherry Blossom Season. If you would like to be a vendor at the Cherry Blossom Festival - BloomFest you can click here for the form to express interest.
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Cherry Blossom Bloom Stages
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Where are the trees located?
Essex County Branch Brook Park is home to over 5,300 flowering cherry blossom trees in 18 varieties. Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Trees are located throughout the park with the most densely populated area near the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center. You can enter the phrase "Cherry Blossom Welcome Center" into google maps. The Welcome Center is located on the right side of the map below, near the baseball diamonds.
When will full bloom occur?
A great question and one we answer often. While it can be hard to determine the exact date of the full bloom, we can offer our best prediction for optimal viewing each year.
2025: April 6 - April 18 - PEAK SEASON IS OVER (Kwanzan started to bloom on April 19 and is less than 20% of the collection)
2024: April 5 - April 15
2023: April 6 - April 16
2022: April 8 - April 15
2021: April 10 - April 18
2025: April 6 - April 18 - PEAK SEASON IS OVER (Kwanzan started to bloom on April 19 and is less than 20% of the collection)
2024: April 5 - April 15
2023: April 6 - April 16
2022: April 8 - April 15
2021: April 10 - April 18
Frequently asked questions?
Q: When is the best time to visit the park to see the flowering cherry blossom trees in full bloom?
A: It is typically the 2nd and 3rd week of April. If you want to see regular updates on Facebook @branchbrookpark, visit our page most days in April.
Q: Where is the best place in the park to see the Cherry Blossom Trees?
A: While that is a matter of personal preference we will share that fewer Cherry Blossom Trees in the middle of the park known as the Northern Division. The most densely populated area is around the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in what we call the Extension Division. Visit our map for more details at www.branchbrookpark.org/map. You will also find a smaller grove in the southern division known as Prudential Concert Grove.
Q: How many Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Trees are in the park?
A: Essex County Branch Brook Park is home to over 5,300 Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Trees in 18 varieties. As a result of this diverse collection you will see at least one variety in bloom from late March to early May. However, the peak bloom is typically between the 2nd and 3rd week of April.
Q: When is the park open?
A: 365 days a year, 7 days a week from sunrise to 10:00 PM
Q: Is the park and parking free?
A: Yes, and you can make a donation to our conservancy by clicking here.
Q: Is there a restaurant or food vendors inside the park?
A: No, but Tony's Specialized Hot Dogs is at the Park Ave bridge near Lake Street. www.tonyshotdogs.com
Q: Who do I contact about bringing a tour bus into the park?
A: Essex County Department of Parks. You must call 973-268-3500. Office hours are Monday - Friday from 9AM to 4PM (excluding holidays).
Q: Where is parking?
A: Anywhere inside the park on both sides of the road behind the white lines. If there is no white line, there is no parking in that location. The parking lot at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center has an estimated 130 spots with one electric vehicle charging station.
Q: Is the park handicap accessible?
A: Yes
Q: Can I drive through the park and see the Cherry Blossom Trees in bloom?
A: Yes, we know that sometimes you want to bring someone with limited mobility. You can drive from one end to the other and see trees in bloom without getting out of the car.
Q: May I have a picnic in the park?
A: Yes, you can bring a picnic blanket and lay it out on the lawn areas. While we do not have picnic tables, you can certainly sit on one of the many commemorative park benches. All bench seating is first-come, first-served.
Q: May I bring my dog, cat, bird, lizard or other pet?
A: Yes (on a leash at all times) and by the way, we have a dog park inside Essex County Branch Brook Park where they can run free. www.branchbrookpark.org/map
Q: I would like to film, photo or have an event in the park. How do I get a permit?
A: Visit the Essex County Department of Parks website at www.essexcountyparks.org/permits.
Q: I would like to volunteer and help you in stewardship to the park, where do I register?
A: www.branchbrookpark.org/volunteer
Q: Where can I rent a non-motorized bike?
A: We recommend the Newark Bicycle Shop in downtown Newark at www.newarkbike.com
Q: Where can I express interest in becoming a vendor for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival - Bloom Fest?
A: You can contact the Essex County Department of Parks - Permits team and find the form by viewing their website - click here.
A: It is typically the 2nd and 3rd week of April. If you want to see regular updates on Facebook @branchbrookpark, visit our page most days in April.
Q: Where is the best place in the park to see the Cherry Blossom Trees?
A: While that is a matter of personal preference we will share that fewer Cherry Blossom Trees in the middle of the park known as the Northern Division. The most densely populated area is around the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center in what we call the Extension Division. Visit our map for more details at www.branchbrookpark.org/map. You will also find a smaller grove in the southern division known as Prudential Concert Grove.
Q: How many Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Trees are in the park?
A: Essex County Branch Brook Park is home to over 5,300 Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Trees in 18 varieties. As a result of this diverse collection you will see at least one variety in bloom from late March to early May. However, the peak bloom is typically between the 2nd and 3rd week of April.
Q: When is the park open?
A: 365 days a year, 7 days a week from sunrise to 10:00 PM
Q: Is the park and parking free?
A: Yes, and you can make a donation to our conservancy by clicking here.
Q: Is there a restaurant or food vendors inside the park?
A: No, but Tony's Specialized Hot Dogs is at the Park Ave bridge near Lake Street. www.tonyshotdogs.com
Q: Who do I contact about bringing a tour bus into the park?
A: Essex County Department of Parks. You must call 973-268-3500. Office hours are Monday - Friday from 9AM to 4PM (excluding holidays).
Q: Where is parking?
A: Anywhere inside the park on both sides of the road behind the white lines. If there is no white line, there is no parking in that location. The parking lot at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center has an estimated 130 spots with one electric vehicle charging station.
Q: Is the park handicap accessible?
A: Yes
Q: Can I drive through the park and see the Cherry Blossom Trees in bloom?
A: Yes, we know that sometimes you want to bring someone with limited mobility. You can drive from one end to the other and see trees in bloom without getting out of the car.
Q: May I have a picnic in the park?
A: Yes, you can bring a picnic blanket and lay it out on the lawn areas. While we do not have picnic tables, you can certainly sit on one of the many commemorative park benches. All bench seating is first-come, first-served.
Q: May I bring my dog, cat, bird, lizard or other pet?
A: Yes (on a leash at all times) and by the way, we have a dog park inside Essex County Branch Brook Park where they can run free. www.branchbrookpark.org/map
Q: I would like to film, photo or have an event in the park. How do I get a permit?
A: Visit the Essex County Department of Parks website at www.essexcountyparks.org/permits.
Q: I would like to volunteer and help you in stewardship to the park, where do I register?
A: www.branchbrookpark.org/volunteer
Q: Where can I rent a non-motorized bike?
A: We recommend the Newark Bicycle Shop in downtown Newark at www.newarkbike.com
Q: Where can I express interest in becoming a vendor for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival - Bloom Fest?
A: You can contact the Essex County Department of Parks - Permits team and find the form by viewing their website - click here.
