1

August 2008/Av 5768

Over the past few summers a number of English speakers have asked us for
recommendations of activities in the North based upon our summertime experiences.
Therefore, we thought that it may be helpful to put together a list of some of the
places that we visited in the North and very much enjoyed. We hope that this list helps
you out during your summer vacation in Israel and b'zchut ahavat Eretz Yisrael may we
see the complete rebuilding of Yerushalayim b'karov b'yameinu.
Enjoy,
Ari and Sandy Waxman
Nof Ayalon, Sha'alvim
[email protected]

:Galil
Yodfat Monkey Farm– ‫ יודפת‬,‫יער קופים‬ (1
http://www.kofim.co.il/kofim
Although this is more than half way up north, it's not "all the way" up north, and therefore
we have found this to be a good first day stop, before we're at the tzimmer. Alternatively, it
can be combined with Nachal Tzalmon, below, which, as noted, is not that far from Yodfat.
Tel. 04 980 – 1265
Price (Summer 2008): 28 Shekel
Directions: From South: Make a left turn at ‫ צומת המוביל‬to 784 North-West toward Karmiel and
Misgav. Look for the right turn to Yodfat.

(.Usually has water all year, however after a dry winter it is dry) ‫( נחל צלמון‬2
Note: Not very far from Yodfat Monkey Farm.
While this can be done as a 2 km hike it can also be done as a very short (15 minute) hike
until you hit the water, the kids "hang out" in the water and then you return to your car when
ready. The trail is rather straight. Some steps down at the beginning, but after that it's straight.
Directions: Find junction of 85 and 804. Head south on 804. After a few minutes you should see signs
marking Nachol Tzalmon on your right. Park the car and head down to the nachal. The trail here runs
with the nachal for about 2 km. until it hits the road (804) again further south, which means you have
2 options:
a) Driver walks back to the car on the road (804).
b) At any given point the whole family walks back to where you started.

Lookout ‫הר כמון‬

(3
Overlooking Nachal Tzalmon (and much much more), this is a very nice addition or
actually preface to Nachal Tzalmon.
Directions: On Route 85 take eastern entrance into Carmiel. Drive straight past the traffic circle and
follow the signs for the yishuv ‫ כמון‬which is located at the top of the hill. (Don’t mistake ‫ כמון‬for
neighboring ‫כמאנה‬.) Upon entering ‫ כמון‬follow the signs for the look out point.

:Golan and Etzba Hagalil

(Deer Farm (North East Golan – ‫( יער אודם‬4
http://www.yayalim.co.il/
Tel. 050 522- 9450
Directions: Head north on 98 until El- Rom junction. Turn left onto 9799 and continue
until end which meets 978. Take 978 north until Odem.
Price - Summer of 2008: Child from age 2 – 35 Shekel, Adult – 25 Shekel
 2

Banias Waterfall/National Park (5

http://www.parks.org.il/ParksENG/company_card.php3?CNumber=507388
Largest waterfall in Israel and the remains of an ancient city.
Directions: To the spring - The spring is off of Route 99 (Kiryat Shemona-Mas'sade), east of Kibbutz
Snir. To the waterfall - From Route 99 (Kiryat Shemona-Mas'sade) turn south about kilometer east of
Kibbutz Snir and follow the signs to the reserve.
Tel. 04 690-2577
(I believe that this is free with Matmon card.)

(Nimrod's Fortress (Near Banias (6

(.Free with Matmon card)
http://www.parks.org.il/ParksENG/company_card.php3?CNumber=337736
Directions: Nimrod Fortress National Park is on Route 989 between Kiryat Shmona and Har
Chermon, 30 minutes from Kiryat Shmona.

‫חרמון‬ (7
There are 2 summertime activities here:
1) Alpine slide
2) Take the ski lift to the top (fun and beautiful view)
One note about this stop – it ends up being quite costly.
http://www.skihermon.co.il/summer-english-index.html
Te. 04 698- 1337
:‫בריכת רם‬ (8
If you're in the Banias/Chermon area you may want to take a lookout stop at "Breichat
Ram", located in between the Odem Deer Farm and the Chermon, near Massada (Druze
town).

Beautiful lookout and interesting bunker ‫הר בנטל‬ (9

Directions: Head north on 98. At Tzomet Zivan continue north on 98 until left turn for Kibbutz
Merom Golan. After this left follow signs up the hill to top of Har Bental.
Price: Free

Excellent 20 minute documentary on Battle of Tears during Yom Kippur – 77 ‫עוז‬ (10
War
Following the film it is very worthwhile to head over to Battle of Tears lookout which is
opposite the entrance to Kibbutz El Rom.
Tel. 04 683 8016
Location: Kibbutz El Rom, A few minutes north of Har Bental.

North West Golan, not far from Kfar Blum)- Beehives at Kibbutz Shamir)
This is a short (1/2 hour) "nechmad" activity, only if you're in the area. They have
some beehives behind glass and a short film. In the past this activity was free (they want
people to buy their products.)
Tel Dan Nature Reserve (11
695-1579 04
Location: North East of Kiryat Shmona
Beautiful area and has places where kids can be "mishachshech" their feet in water.
Free with Matmon card, otherwise there is an entrance fee.
 3

Mercaz Canada Center in Metula (12

Ice Skating and Bowling
Note: If you go rafting at Kfar Blum you can get combined ticket which gives you
discount on Canada Center. Tel. 04 695 – 0370.
Tel Chai (13
This is a historical stop at one of the first yishuvim established during modern times,
Trumpuldor's yishuv.
I heard that they have redone things for this year's visiting season (2008).
Tel. 04 695-1333
http://www.hatser-telhai.org.il
(Menara Cliff (Kiryat Shemona (14
http://www.cliff.co.il
Nice Cable car ride up
(.Alpine slide at foot of mountain (This is similar to the Chermon activities
Tel. 06 690-5830

Ayelet Hashachar Shooting Range (15

What's unique about this shooting range is that besides the regular shooting range
possibilities, Ayelet Hashachar also allows (assists) children to shoot a rifle, which
Dovid very much enjoyed at 8 years old.
Tel. 04 693- 2226
Directions: Heading north on 90, pass Tzomet Machanayim, pass Chatzor on your left and
follow sign on your right to Ayelet Hashachar.

(Rob Roy Canoes (South side of Kinneret (16

We found that they have the lowest age requirement for boating activities.
Location: Adjacent to Kibbutz Kinneret.
http://www.robroy.co.il/
04 675 – 7768
North side of the Kinneret) Park Hayarden - Abu Kayak Rafting) (17
Tel. 04 692-1078 Directions: On road 888, about 1. km north on Beit Tzida junction
http://www.travel-shot.com/watch/24008152210588/abu_-_kayak/

(Kfar Blum Rafting (Close to Kiryat Shemona (18

Tel. 1-700 – 50-66- 11
http://www.kayaks.co.il/category/english
Directions: Head north on 90 until Tzomet Gonen. At Tzomet Gonen make a right onto 977. Very
soon you will see sign towards Kfar Bloom on your left.
We recommend parking at Kfar Blum and rafting from Beit Hillel to Kfar Blum, instead of
the opposite. (Advantage is that you wait for bus before kayaking, in your dry clothing,
instead of waiting in wet clothing.)

Kibbutz Haon Ostrich Farm – South-East side of the Kinneret (19

Tel. 04 665-6555 (During summer of 2008 hours were from 10:30 am – 2:00 pm)

:South of the Kinneret

‫( מפעל המים של גשר הישנה‬20
Historical site. Interesting tour. Wouldn't come to area just for this, but good for combining.
Location: Opposite the yishuv Gesher, about 20 minutes south of the Kinneret, on road 90.
http://www.naharayim.co.il 04 675 – 2685
 4

Crusader Fortress ‫( כוכב הירדן‬21

Beautiful view and the kids enjoy running around here. In that sense it's similar to
Nimrod's fortress. I wouldn't make a special trip out here, but if you're in the area i.e.
either on your way up or way down, or you want an "add-on", it could be "nechmad".
There is an admission fee. (Free with Matmon Card.)
http://parks.org.il/ParksENG/company_card.php3?
NewNameMade=0&from=116&CNumber=420742
Directions: From Route 90 (Beit Sha'an-Tverya), turn onto route 717 about 15 kilometers north
of Beit Sha'an.
Tel. 04 658-1766
Kangaroo Farm – ‫( גן גורו‬22
A few minutes west of Beit Shan, or South-East of junction 71 and 669.
04 648-8060.

Nachal Kibbutzim (23

A great place to dip and walk in water.
http://www.trail.co.il/north/galil-tachton/nachal-kibuzim/index.php
Location: A few minutes south east of Gan Guru Kangaroo Farm.
Directions: Traveling south-east on 669 pass the entrance to Kibbutz Nir David. About 500 meters
past the entrance to the Kibbutz turn onto dirt road on the right that takes you (about 1 minute) to the
nachal.

Alona Water Tunnel (24

This is a good possibility for an "on the way up north" stop, if you don't mind the fact
that everyone will get wet.
Part of an ancient water system from the time of the Romans. Similar to Chizkiyahu's
water tunnel in Yerushalayim, but not as narrow and it's lit up.
Directions: South East of Zichron Yakov, 653 to 654 to 6533, and then a bit past Aviel.
http://www.meykedem.com/ Tel. 04 638- 8622

:North West Galil

A general note: If you enjoy driving through a beautiful area, 899 is a gorgeous drive.

Cable car to grottoes ‫( ראש הנקרה‬25

http://www.rosh-hanikra.com/
04 985- 7109
‫( מערת קשת‬26
5 minute walk to gorgeous spot. Hard to sum up in words. This spot was a cave many
years ago, however with time the cave collapsed and what remains is a beautiful arch
above the remains of the cave.
View here: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Keshet-cave-01.JPG
Directions: From the junction of 899 and 70, near Shlomi, head east on 899. Very soon you will
see a sign for the yishuv Adamit on the left. Head up the road to the yishuv. At the entrance to
the yishuv you will see signs to Park Adamit and the Keshet cave. Keep driving until you reach
the signs for the Keshet cave.
For those interested in a little bit more challenging walk to the "cave" – on your way up
to Adamit you will see a red marker on the right for a trail to the Keshet cave. You can
park here and it's a half hour hike up to the cave. Not for young children.
 5

Ice Skating in Ma'alot ‫( אגם מונפורט‬27

http://www.maltar.org.il/agam/
04 957 – 4004
‫מערת פער‬
(28
This is a short stop which can be combined with the above. Actually, it's not that far
from Miron, so you may want to do it whenever, not necessarily connected to a trip to
the Western Galil.
Directions: On road # 899, between km 33 and 34 (I believe a drop west of Sasa) there is a sign
for Ma'arat Pa'ar on the southern side of the road. Park on the northern side of the road and
cross the road to get to the path that leads to the cave. There is a short (15 minute) circular trail
that takes you to the cave, which you get to by going down the marked steps.
:Other
:‫זכרון יעקב‬
Carmel Winery, Toot Paper Making, Museum

Recommended Hikes up North: (There is an entrance fee for Zavitan, Yehudia, Gamla,
Nachal Amud and Majarsee. I believe the others here are free.)

1) Nachal Zavitan Elyon - 3 hours. First hour does not have water or shade.
Suitable for children of all ages. Pools, which you don’t have to go into, are deep.)
Circular trail.
Receive trail map at the entry desk.
Location: Yehudia Campsite
Directions: Take 87 up towards Katzrin. Yehudai Campsite is on left before Katzrin junction.

2) Nachal Yehudia: Upper – 3 hours, Lower (alone)– 4 hours.

Walk in flowing river, waterfalls and descend ladder into water.
Recommended age: Above 13. Must know how to swim.
Circular trail. Receive trail map at entry desk.
(There is a very short version (1 hour) – walk to the first waterfall and then walk back
up, the same way that you walked down.)
Directions: Take 87 up towards Katzrin. Yehudai Campsite is on left before Katzrin junction.

3) Nachal Jiliboon – 2 waterfalls, pools, walk along flowing river

(Entire trail – 2.5 hours. Option -You can walk from end to second waterfall.)
Directions: Take 91 North-East. At the 16 km. marker, which is about 4 kilometers after the Beit
Hameches junction make a left (north) onto dirt road following the signs for Nachal Jilaboon.
Travel about 2 kilometers on the dirt road with a red trail marker. You will reach a fork in the
road – blue marker takes you straight and red marker takes you to the right. Make a right with
the red marker until parking lot.
The trail is a one way route (not circular) therefore you have 2 options:
a) At the end of the trail walk on the dirt road from the end parking lot back to
your car.
b) If you have a second car, leave it at the end parking lot so you will have a ride
back to your starting point.

4) Gamla (No water or shade) Different options of length. Receive map of trails
at entrance counter.
Directions: Traveling north on 808 turn left soon after Daliot junction (869/808) for Gamla.
 6

5) Yarden Haharari (Next to water, but water moves too quickly to go in.)
The Yarden Haharari is located just north of the Kinneret.
Length: 1.5 hours 1.5 km.
Directions: On route 91 continue east past Ganot junction. Continue toward the bridge (used to
be wooden Bnot Ya'akov bridge, but was recently redone). Before the bridge there is a sharp
turn in the road. At the edge of the turn (the southern tip) you will see a dirt road on your right
with a sign for Yarden Haharari. Travel about 300 meters and on the hill on your right you will
see remnants of a building. Park here.
The trail is marked by a black marker. Continue hiking on the black trail. A few minutes
after the dam you will see a path on your right that takes you back up to the dirt road
(red marker). Continue on the dirt road back to your car.

6) Breichat Hameshushim. Gorgeous natural hexagon pool. The walk from the
parking lot to the pool, about 15- 20 minutes, is all downhill which means that the
walk back is all uphill.
Directions: North of Kinneret, at junction of 87 and 888, continue north on 888 past ‫ חד נס‬and
follow signs for ‫ ברכת המשושים‬on right.

7) Nachal El Al.
You can walk from beginning to the first waterfall, Mapal Halavan, which takes about
45 minutes each way. Similarly you can walk from the end, Avnei Eitan, to the closest
waterfall, Mapal Hashachor, Takes about 25 minutes. Doing the entire trail takes about
3 hours.
Directions: Southern Golan- traveling north on 98, turn left to Kibbutz Eli-Ad (Eli-Al). After you
make the left you will see the beginning of the trail on your right hand side. Continue into
parking area. The entire trail is clearly marked with a red trail marker.

8) Ain Tina (short) Dip in spring and walking along flow of water.
Directions: Take 918 north from Gadot towards Gonen. After about 7 km the long row of
eucalyptus and palm trees comes to an end. At this point, make a right hand turn and then
another right onto a dirt road. Drive over the water (short drive) to the parking area.

9) Ain Divsha (short) Walking along flow of water. Nice advantage of this trail
is that it is much less crowded than Ain Tina. Keep in mind that you are walking in
water (ankle deep) and through vegetation.
Directions: Take 918 north from Gadot towards Gonen. Pass the entrance to Ain Tina and
continue another 500 meters until you see parking area on the left (right after the parking area
water passes under the road). Park your car and cross the road to the right hand side of the
road (children can walk through water tunnel under the road). Follow the stream of water up the
hill. After a few minutes you will reach the remnants of a flour mill. Again, continue uphill with
the stream until you reach the origin of the spring. When we visited a pipe was spewing forth
cool water from the spring. Very rejuvenating on a hot day.

10) Nachal Amud – Back and forth route. 2.5 -3 hours. There is a circular route
once you are at the bottom (at the nachal), however, at any point you can decide to
turn around and walk back. Appropriate for all ages. There are a lot of steps down at
first, which means there are a lot of steps up at the end.
Directions: Traveling south on 866 from Miron, make a left to Nachal Amud (there is a sign).
Continue until parking lot.
 7

11) Nachal Majarsee - 1 Hour walk in shallow water (knee deep) of river.
Directions: From Yehudia junction (North-East side of Kinneret) travel south on 92 until Ma'aleh
Gamla junction. At junction turn right onto dirt road marked with a blue trail marker. Continue on
the road until the Majarsee.

12) Nachal Zaki (has deep water in some places)

4 Hours
Directions: Same as Majarsee, however continue on dirt road a bit longer. Get further more
exact details if you plan on doing this hike.

13) Mitzpe Ofir to Kibbutz Ain Gev.

2.5 Hours.
No water and not too much shade, almost all downhill.
Gorgeous scenery.
One way trail (i.e. – need a second car to get you back.)
Directions: Traveling north on 92 (eastern side of the Kinneret) make a right hand turn at
Tzomet Kursi onto 789. After 9 kilometers make a sharp right onto a dirt road marked with a
blue trail marker. Continue for about 1 kilometer until Mitzeh Ofir Lookout.
You will find the blue marker, which you follow until the end of the hike, on the left
hand side of Mitzpeh Ofir (left when you're facing the Kinneret. One of the highlights
of this tiyul is the view and steep descent from Keren Ain Gev, a hill towards the end of
the hike.

14) Nachal Kziv - from Ain Ziv to Ain Tamir and back.
2.5-3 hours (taking it easy).
Approx. 3 km. each way.
Shallow water, beautiful scenery.
Appropriate for all ages.
Flat trail. Back and forth route.
Directions: Traveling east on 89 take first left into Ma'a lot (there is a 17 km. marker on the right
hand side of the road). Continue on this road for a minute or two and you will see a sign for
Nachal Kziv on the left (next to a go-cart course). Continue (carefully) downhill on this windy
road until you reach the Ain Ziv parking area. The trail is clearly marked with a green marker. At
first it's nice walking in the water however when you hit the bridge with a dirt path to the right –
continue with the green marker on the dirt path. The path passes over the water a few times
and eventually reaches Ain Tamir. After reaching Ain Tamir return back to your car on the same
path.

15) Kanaf to Natur

5- 6 hours.
10 km.
One way trail – need car at end.
You can finish the trail at the Kshatot Rechavam Beit Knesset, behind Natur, or walk
another half hour/45 minutes to Natur.
A dry trail with a nice spring (Ain Dir Aziz) 45 minutes into the hike and a nachal
towards the end (Nachal Semech) in which you can wade.
Directions: From Route 869 turn into the yishuv Kanaf. Before the gate to the Kibbutz there is a
left hand turn into some kind of industrial area. There is a makolet there ("Super-Kanaf") where
you can park. Find the black trail marker. The entire trail continues with the black marker.