Branch Brook Park in Essex County, New Jersey, is a renowned destination for cherry blossom viewing, boasting the largest and most diverse collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States.

The park is home to over 5,300 Japanese flowering cherry trees, with more than 18 different varieties. This large and diverse collection ensures that at least one variety is in bloom from late March to early May.

The trees are spread throughout the park’s 360 acres, but the most densely populated area is near the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center. A smaller grove is located in the park’s southern division at the Prudential Concert Grove.

The trees are a result of a 1927 gift from Caroline Bamberger Fuld, the sister of a department store magnate. The park itself is the nation’s first county park, dating back to 1895.

The best time to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom is typically during the second and third weeks of April, though the exact timing can vary each year depending on weather conditions.

Each year, the park hosts a multi-day festival with a variety of events to celebrate the blossoms.

Bloomfest is the main highlight of the festival, typically a weekend event featuring live music, cultural demonstrations, food vendors, a crafters marketplace, and family-friendly activities.