News
A new cabin for Israel Trail hikers in Zuqim/Tsukim
The video below, in English and in Hebrew, shows the construction of a new cabin for hikers of the Shvil Yisrael to stay in, free of charge, in the Negev desert.
"Israel Trail Day" – 13 April 2017
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) has declared 13 April this year, during Ḥol HaMoed Pessaḥ (the intermediary weekdays of the Passover holiday), as "Yom Shvil Yisrael" – "Israel Trail Day". The following is adapted from the information on their Hebrew website here. We're happy to make this information available to visitors of this site, in hopes that some of you may enjoy the festivities if you are in Israel and can attend one of the events being held at several locations along the trail.
"It stretches from Dan to Eilat, was chosen as one of the 20 most beautiful trails in the world, and now has its own holiday," says the SPNI site, suggesting that this may become an annual event. Israel Trail Day is described as a day of treks for the whole family, led by among the best of the SPNI guides.
The SPNI site says that there are nature tours throughout the country, free of charge, on selected hiking routes along the INT. On the trails, visitors will enjoy a variety of activities, trainings and many enjoyable adventures at "experience and information stations", which will be located out in the field.
The events take place all over the country, in the locations listed below the video. (The video is available in English on the SPNI's Facebook page.)
Kibbutz Dan
Location of the route: in the northernmost part of the Israel National Trail, in the green countryside and flowing waters.
Route and nature of activities: The "first step" of the Israel Trail hiking trail opens in the land of water, green, and abundance. A trek that begins at the Ussishkin House Nature Museum and continues along one of the streams of the Snir (the Hasbani River), and from there to the confluence of the Dan and Snir Rivers. We will pass through the lagoon and return through the avocado groves, Kibbutz Dan and the Beit Ussishkin Museum. Independent walking along the route, with stops at the information and activity stations.
Opening hours: 9:00-15:00
Duration of the trip: about two hours
Difficulty and length of the route: Easy
Meeting point at the beginning of the route: Ussishkin House Nature Museum in Kibbutz Dan
Ramat HaNadiv
Location of the route: A historic site on the Israel National Trail, at the lower part of the Carmel ridge.
The nature of the activity: Walking through Ein Zur, to Mansur al-Aqab. During the walk we will enjoy an impressive view of Carmel Beach and walk in a green Mediterranean grove. Independent walking along the route, with stops at the information and activity stations.
Dates: A double holiday!
Wednesday, 12 April 2017, from 11:00 to 16:00
Thursday, 13 April 2017, from 9:00 to 16:00
Difficulty and length of the route: Medium. About 6 km.
Meeting point at the beginning of the route: the "Six Flags" Plaza in Ramat HaNadiv
Hadera River Park Estuary
Location of the route: A section of the Israel National Trail in the northern coastal plain
Nature of activity: Walking along the banks of the restored Hadera Stream and along the seashore. Guided tour along the route. The tour takes place every half hour.
Date: 13 April 2017, from 09:30 to 17:00
Duration of the trip: Depending on the routes chosen
Difficulty and length of the route: Easy. About 2 km
The activity takes place in conjunction with the Spring Festival.
Meeting point at the beginning of the route: The entrance plaza for the Spring Festival
Yarkon Park
Location of the route: The Yarkon Park, where the Israel National Trail crosses the Gush Dan metropolis.
Route: A guided tour along the banks of the Yarkon River
Nature of activity: a variety of experiences and information for families and children in the area of the Seven Mills.
Date: 13 April 2017
Opening hours: 9:00-15:00
Duration of the trip: between half an hour and an hour (not including the activities of the around the "Happening")
Difficulty: Easy, accessible for people with disabilities.
Length of the route: about 2 km
Meeting point at the beginning of the route: Seven Mills area in the Yarkon Park
The Armored Corps Memorial Site and Museum at Latrun
Location of the route on the Israel National Trail: In the junction between the Ayalon Valley and the first hills of the Shephela region lies the Latrun area. The Israel Trail crosses this historical valley, where many stories and battles took place from biblical times until the establishment of the state.
Route and nature of activity: We will walk along the Israel National Trail along with the traditional Armored Corps parade.
We will begin the route at the Armored Corps Museum in Latrun, and from there we will walk towards Tel Latrun and into one of Nahal Eilon's tributaries between green fields.
On the way we will get to know the Shephela (Lowland) region and the significance of Latrun as a major point on the way to Jerusalem, we will recount the history and the battle heritage of the place, along the floral beauty of the region during this season. As we walk, we will meet the soldiers of the Armored Corps and a tank. Then we will return to the starting point.
Opening hours: 8:00-12:00
Duration of the trip: about three hours - 4 km
Difficulty and length of the route: Easy
Meeting point at the beginning of the route: Armored Corps in Latrun
The event is in cooperation with Latrun Park.
Ramon Crater
Location of the trail on the Israel National Trail: a beautiful desert trail for families who love to walk – in the Parsat Nekarot (Horseshoe).
The nature of the activity: A trek in the depth of the desert, which passes through a small spring full of vegetation, an ancient Nabatean Khan, a beautiful shopping mall, and desert bloom. Activities and information stations will run along the route.
Hours of operation: 9:00-15:00.
Difficulty and length of the route: Medium. About 3 km.
Meeting point: An information and guidance station in the Mitzpeh Ramon grove at the entrance to the city
Mount Tzfahot in the Eilat Mountains
Location of the route on the Israel National Trail: The southernmost section of the Israel National Trail: Mount Tzafahot, the last leg of the trail.
The route and nature of the activity: A walking trail that starts from Nahal Shlomo, climbing on Mount Tzafahot, for a spectacular view of the sea and desert and ending in the descent to Eilat Field School.
Opening hours: 7:00-13:00.
Duration: 3 hours.
Difficulty and length of the route: Medium. About 4 km.
Meeting point at the beginning of the route: a guided tour of the surrounding area leaving from the Field School.