Newark and Branch Brook Park, Essex County, NJ

                                     Newark, NJ 1874

Branch Brook Park, Newark has several distinctions: one as being the oldest county park for public use in the nation, another as having more cherry trees than Washington, DC and it is also a destination of choice among international travelers.  Urban backpacking at its best.  It is also becoming the new SoHo of the area, attracting artists from all over the world to the Ironbound section of the city, with its affordable rents and sense of community.  A quick subway ride from the park will take you to world class Portugese dining also in the ironbound section.  For those who think Newark is just an airport, think again.

The park itself encompasses 360 acres and is about four miles long, 1/4 mile wide.  Meandering paths, winding streams, waterfront, a lake make this an oasis in a concrete jungle.  Of course, in the springtime the cherry trees hold court.  More varieties and more numerous than the nation's capital.

Newark itself is shedding its image as another crime northeast city.  There is a pride among its residents, you see it in their posture, hear it in their voices and feel it in their smiles.

A walking tour video from Newark Star Ledger that includes a peek of Branch Brook Park.

Another video, this one of the Ironbound section of Newark.

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Other New Jersey Destinations:

Jenny Jump State Forest

Hacklebarney State Park

Pyramid Mountain

Cheesequake State Park

Stokes State Forest

High Point State Park

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Island Beach State Park

Allaire State Park

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Norvin Green State Forest