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Branch Brook Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 57 Google reviews · Running trail in Newark, New Jersey · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Branch Brook Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Open 24h

What runners say about Branch Brook Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (57 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“The walking trails are wonderful well-kept, easy to navigate, and perfectly positioned so you’re surrounded by the blossoms at every turn.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“The colors are simply breathtaking soft pinks and whites as far as the eye can see, creating one of the most beautiful natural displays I’ve ever witnessed.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“The park feels peaceful and full of life.”

Really lovely park in New Jersey to visit and enjoy the scenery for the most part. I think the sidewalks and bike lanes could be improved and prioritize pedestrian safety rather than cars everywhere. I went for a run and I feared my safety due to all the cars zipping by every road in the park.

★★★★☆ — Elaine , Apr 2025

Branch Brook Park – Newark, NJ 🌸🚴‍♂️ I love riding my bike here. The park feels peaceful and full of life. The cherry blossoms look amazing in the spring, and the paths are perfect for a calm ride or walk. Even in the city, this place gives you space to breathe and just enjoy the moment.

★★★★★ — Raul , Oct 2025

Branch Brook Park in Newark is an absolute gem, especially this time of year when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom! The colors are simply breathtaking soft pinks and whites as far as the eye can see, creating one of the most beautiful natural displays I’ve ever witnessed.

★★★★★ — Danakha , Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 57 reviews →

Plan your run at Branch Brook Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websiteessexcountyparks.org
  • Phone+1 973-268-3500
  • Social Instagram

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Branch Brook Park

Branch Brook Park Dr, Newark, NJ 07104

Get directions

Running trails near Newark

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Branch Brook Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 12,456 reviews

Newark, NJ

Scenic

Scenic, 360-acre park featuring cherry trees, lakes & bridges plus bicycling & other activities.

under a mile away

Kearny Riverbank Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 87 reviews

Kearny, NJ

ScenicDog-friendly

Park offering a spot for walking and a chance to see colorful fall foliage.

1.0 miles away

Belleville Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,265 reviews

Belleville, NJ

Leafy park designed by the Olmsteds with a playground, bocce courts, ball fields & a jogging path.

1.4 miles away

West Hudson Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,079 reviews

Harrison, NJ

ShadedLitScenicDog-friendly

County facility on 46 acres with various sports facilities, a water park, paths & a fishing lake.

1.8 miles away

Watsessing Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,556 reviews

Bloomfield, NJ

ShadedScenic

Multi-use recreation area featuring senior center, sports fields, off-leash dog area & river.

1.9 miles away

Gunnell Oval

4.6 ★★★★★ 373 reviews

Kearny, NJ

ShadedScenic

Green space offering baseball fields, soccer fields, a basketball court & a play area.

1.9 miles away

All running trails in Newark, NJ →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.