If you have never visited Branch Brook Park to see the cherry blossoms this is worth the drive to Newark. Branch Brook Park is home to over **5,300** Japanese Flowering Cherry Blossom Trees in **18** varieties. It is also an expansive, 360-acre park listed on both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places and the very first county park in the United States to open to the public. Let’s do a 4.5 mile walk and catch some of the blooms. There is even a bloom cam to monitor the blooms! http://ecpo2.packetalk.net:5350/IVC/views.htm#
Sneakers are OK for this walk. Heavy rain cancels. **RAIN DATE is Sunday April 14.**
We will aim to do 4.5 miles at a social pace (this is more of a walk than a hike). Please park near Branch Brook Park Roller Rink and/or the Branch Brook Park Boat House. We will meet at the Boat House and start from there. **\*\*Leave yourself time to find a parking spot. This is peak cherry blossom season and this park draws crowds in April.**
For GPS Use Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Rink or Branch Brook Park Boat House as a landmark. You can park on the street and walk to the Boat House. Any issues *day of walk only* please call/text: 862 217 9552.
\*\*Note\*\* We hike at a moderate pace, and never leave anyone behind. Our hikes are not suitable for fast hikers who like to forge ahead of the group.
\*\*To join our hikes, you must enable Meetup messaging with organizers (see "New to hiking" link below), and must post a profile image that can be used to recognize you. If you do not, you may be removed from Going list.
\*\*By signing up for this event you are acknowledging that you have read and accepted the posted HBCM legal disclaimer: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xnhrymhrmzp0qtm/HBCM%20Legal%20Disclaimer.pdf?dl=0
\*\*HBCM policies to discourage "repeat no-shows" and/or "repeat late-cancels" (canceling <48 hours before hike): https://www.dropbox.com/s/3qgyyghxu1ipnl4/HBCM%20Policies.pdf?dl=0
\*\* New to hiking or Meetup? Try: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xhdhn0yb8wy3gzv/New%20Hiker%20Guide.pdf?dl=0
