Communing with nature is one of the best things to do when you’re in Essex County, NJ. The said county has an awesome park system that provides nature lovers with a host of green spaces worth visiting for a fun/relaxing/adventure-filled time in the Great Outdoors.
Soak in the remarkable scenery and breathe in the fresh air in some of Essex County’s more popular parks below.
BRANCH BROOK PARK
As the first county park in the country to be opened to the public, it has gained a spot in New Jersey’s and the National Registers of Historic Places. This 360-acre park also boasts the largest collection of exquisite cherry blossom trees. In relation to this, Branch Brook Park holds its very own Cherry Blossom Festival which attracts thousands of locals and visitors every April.
CEDAR GROVE PARK
The newest addition to Essex County’s collection of parks, Cedar Grove Park is the fourth-largest park in the whole system. Sitting on 77 acres, this park features four bocce courts, a farm-themed playground area, and the Robert J. O’Toole Community Center. Park visitors are also allowed to use the facilities in the three fitness stations found along its paths. The park is one of 18 parks and 11 municipalities in the county that connect to the 36-mile Lenape Trail.
BROOKDALE PARK
The third-largest park in the county system, Brookdale Park is more than just a place for fitness and recreational activities. Its crowning glory is the 15,000-square-foot Rose Garden, which is home to nearly 150 hybrid varieties of the said flower.
WEEQUAHIC PARK
Covering more than 311 acres of land, Weequahic Park is the second-largest developed park in the county system. Here, you’ll find jogging trails, baseball fields, a basketball court, tennis courts, and softball fields. Families can gather for some outdoor fun in the picnic areas found around the park.
The focal point of Weequahic Park is the 80-acre Weequahic Lake, the largest lake in Essex County. The park also houses the Weequahic Golf Course, the first public golf course in New Jersey.
EAGLE ROCK RESERVATION
Perched atop Watchung’s First Mountain, this 400-acre state park is a favorite spot for hikers and photography enthusiasts due to the panoramic views of New York City’s skyline from this vantage point. The park is also popular for bird watching and hiking on its more than eight miles of nature trails. Other attractions include the Essex County 9/11 Memorial and the old Highlawn Pavilion, a former casino that was turned into a restaurant.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION
South Mountain Reservation offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, with 19 miles of walking and hiking trails and 27 miles of carriage roads for biking, jogging, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Among the famous attractions on the reservation are the 25-foot Hemlock Falls and the Wildflower Sculpture Park which features over 50 sculptures made from recycled metal. For family-themed fun and adventure, visit Turtle Back Zoo which is also found within the park’s grounds. Other facilities include a miniature golf course, a zip-line course, and an ice skating rink.
Discover the beauty of living in Essex County, as well as other lovely New Jersey counties like Sussex, Morris, Passaic, and Bergen, with the help of the trusted team of Frank DeZao Homes.
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