The chill is subsiding, and New Jerseyans are ready to step out from the shadow of winter into the sunny
embrace of spring. Here’s how to enjoy the outdoors all over the Garden State.
North Jersey
Visit an Oasis in the Meadowlands
Richard W. DeKorte Park (Lyndhurst)
In the heart of the industrial Meadowlands, within sight of the Turnpike and the Manhattan skyline, DeKorte Park is an unexpected oasis of marshlands and estuarial waters attracting hundreds of bird species, from herons to harriers. On the paths and boardwalks that undulate through the marsh, spring visitors can welcome back returning migrants like sandpipers and tree swallows. —Leslie Garisto Pfaff
Bask in the Cherry Blossoms
Branch Brook Park (Newark, Belleville)
While many people think Washington, DC, has the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the United States, it’s actually Branch Brook Park. Each April, more than 5,000 trees bloom, creating a spectacular sight—and landing the cherry blossom festival a place in New Jersey Monthly‘s Book of Records. The 2023 festivities run from April 1-16 and feature a bike race (April 1), 10K run (April 2), one-mile run (April 15), family day (April 15) and Bloomfest (April 16). —Julie…
