Best views in the country? USA TODAY chose these North Jersey spots

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21 hours ago

Everyone has their own interpretation of what they'd consider to be a beautiful view. But there are just some places that are so breathtaking that they seem to catch the eye of everyone they visit.
The Garden State is filled with scenic destinations like this, and so much so that three locations in North Jersey were named among USA Today's Most Treasured Views in America, part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking — and perhaps, under-appreciated — views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure in your area.
And these sites highlight the diverse range of scenery North Jersey has to offer, ranging from rich historical sites to impressive natural spots. Here are three of the Most Treasured Views in North Jersey, with tips for getting the best experience at each site.
More: Discover America's best hidden natural wonders: 12 breathtaking views to explore
More: From waterfalls to lighthouses, here are the 11 best scenic spots in the Northeast
Paterson Great Falls is home to one of the nation's most spectacular waterfalls, featuring a grand 260-foot wide, 77-foot high drop that rushes into the Passaic River. The site has existed since the beginning of time, with Paterson being established around it in 1792, and is both a National Natural Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
While the best view of this iconic landmark — which is free to visit — is the walking bridge that goes over the Great Falls, it is closed indefinitely due to safety concerns and is pending replacement. But you can still get a great view from either Overlook Park or Mary Ellen Kramer Park.
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And while you're there, you can also go down the block to the Paterson Museum at 2 Market St. Here, you can explore Paterson's history as the nation's first planned industrial city through interpretive exhibits. The museum is free to visit, but donations are recommended.
Go: 72 McBride Ave. Extension, Paterson; 973-523-0370, nps.gov/pagr/index.htm.
Located at the highest point on the Palisades Cliffs — just one mile south of the New York State border — State Line Lookout at Palisades Interstate Park offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. It is a particularly popular spot for bird watching, as it's one of the state's 14 official hawk-counting sites.
This area is also home to the Lookout Inn, a refreshment stand that boasts a breakfast, lunch and snack menu for those visiting State Line Lookout. And beyond this, the park also offers more than 30 miles of trails with everything from easy strolls to challenging rock scrambles.
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Metered parking is in effect year-round for the lot at State Line Lookout, but the first hour of parking is free. A list of other metered parking areas, as well as days where parking is free, can be found on the park's website.
Go: Access the parking lot from the northbound side of Palisades Interstate Parking, just north of Exit 2, Alpine; 201-768-1360, njpalisades.org/stateline.
Why travel to Washington D.C. when you can get a better view of dazzling cherry blossoms right here in New Jersey? Branch Brook Park, which spans 360 acres and was the nation's first county park, is known for having among the largest and most varied collection of cherry blossom trees in the country.
During peak blooming season, typically within the second and third week of April each year, the park has 5,300 cherry blossom trees with 18 different varieties bursting with color. These trees are located all throughout Branch Brook Park, but most are concentrated in the northernmost part of the park. You can also find the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center here, which features galleries and exhibits that highlight the history of cherry blossoms in Newark.
As for parking, there is a free lot at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center and several others around the park. You can also find free street park throughout the area.
Go: Lake Street and Park Avenue, Newark; 973-268-3500, essexcountyparks.org/parks/branch-brook-park.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Best scenic views in North Jersey: Our top picks