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Water Gap Trails Closed by Increased Bear Activity Reopen

By Joe Phalon, Contributing Writer

August 1, 2023

**Trails were reopened in the Delaware Water Gap after being closed briefly because of increased bear activity. Photo by Joe Phalon, 2023.**

**Hikers along popular trails in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area were ordered off popular trails in late July because of increased bear activity. Photo by Joe Phalon, 7/2023**

**Don’t climb a tree to escape a black bear. They are better at it. A lot better. Photo by Joe Phalon, 7/2023.**

Joe Phalon, Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Joe brings decades of journalism experience to the Ridge View Echo, covering everything from local school boards to the U.S. Supreme Court. A former National Law Journal editor and Columbia Law School press officer, he now enjoys telling community stories in Blairstown, where he lives with his wife, Rose, and their two dachshunds.