Full Notification

Trail closures due to Aggressive Bears in the Tourne and Mountain Lakes Trails
 
Due to multiple reports of aggressive bears in the Tourne and the adjacent Mountain Lakes Trails, the NJ Department of NJ Fish and Wildlife and the Morris County Park Commission have closed the Tourne.  The Tourne will remain closed while these agencies attempt to trap the problem animals.  At the request of the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife and Morris County Park Commission, and in the interest of public safety, the Mountain Lakes Trails surrounding the Tourne will be temporarily closed until the issue has been resolved.  In the vast majority of incidents, the bears were mother bears with cubs that were antagonized by off-leash dogs prior to becoming aggressive.  For those that are unaware, it is illegal to have off-leash dogs in the Tourne.  Also keep in mind that this is bear country and it is good practice to leash dogs anytime you are in the woods. Morris County Sheriff's officers and MLPD officers will be patroling the area to enforce the closure while in effect.
 
We will reopen the trail system as soon as we can safely do so.
 
For additional information, please visit www.morrisparks.net
 
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.