Water, Water Everywhere

Cascading waterfalls, frothing hot springs and gurgling brooks, these water hikes fly in the face of Israel’s depiction as a drought-ridden desert

Ein-Pik2-water-t
Ein-Pik2-water-t
30 ביולי 2015

Nahal Jilabun

Nahal Jilabun / Photo Courtesy of PR
Nahal Jilabun / Photo Courtesy of PR

At over 40 meters, Jilabun Falls are the second highest in the Golan Heights after the Gamla waterfall. Follow the red markings down to the stream until you reach the canyon that takes you through to the Devora waterfall. If you walk along the stream you’ll hit the Jilabun Falls after 1.5 kilometers. If you’re feeling up to it, divert from the red trail at Hurbat Devora and join the more challenging blue trail. If you’re feeling in the mood for some history, make a short pit stop at the ancient synagogue in Kfar Devora.

Level: Moderate

How to get there: From Highway 90 (Tiberius – Kiryat Shmona) turn east at the Machanayim Junction and follow signs to Nahal Jilabun.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Ein Gedi / Photo Courtesy of PR
Ein Gedi / Photo Courtesy of PR

A list of water hikes in Israel wouldn’t be complete without mention of the spectacular Ein Gedi nature reserve. There are a total of nine different trails which vary in levels of difficulty. Wadi David is the most popular, providing relatively easy access to the breathtaking David’s Waterfall after about an hour’s hike. For hikers willing to challenge themselves a little more, keep going onwards to Ein Gedi Spring. Be prepared to do a bit of climbing but nothing too serious. Don’t forget to take some pit stops and take a dip in any one of the pools along the way or to take in the dramatic scenery of the Dead Sea below you.

Level: Easy – moderate

How to get there: Head on Route 1 from Jerusalem towards the Dead Sea. Turn onto Route 90 at the Arava Junction for 40 minutes until you come to signs for Ein Gedi on your right.

Nahal Yehudia

Yehudia / Photo Courtesy of PR
Yehudia / Photo Courtesy of PR

Nahal Yehudia is one of Israel’s most popular water hikes. Located in the Golan Heights, Yehudia has eleven separate trails to choose from which vary in levels of difficulty. Note that some of the trails in the upper section are appropriate for strong hikers who can also swim. Get ready to shimmy down a rock-face and line your backpack with waterproof material, as you may wade through streams.

Clearly endurance doesn’t have an age limit in Israel because you’ll meet plenty of surefooted children along the way. Your footsteps will also cover plenty of historical ruins, including an abandoned Syrian village built on the remains of a Jewish town from the Byzantine era. Eventually you’ll reach the falls themselves at which point you’ll be grateful to jump into the embracing cold of the first pool. The falls are over 20 meters high and cascade down red rocks that are speckled with Mediterranean flora.

Level: Easy – Difficult (depending on the trail)

How to get there: Take Route 87 past Katsrin for about 7km until you reach a sharp turn at the Yehudia Junction.

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Ein Maboa (Ein Fawr)

A 25 minute drive from Jerusalem in the direction of the Dead Sea, Ein Maboa is one of those hidden gems that until recently only locals were privy to. You can take a short 1 or 2 km hike around the spring in the stunning desert mountains of Wadi Qelt. The extra bonus about this particular spring is that it’s refreshingly cold so it’s perfect for a sultry summer day. You’ll notice that when you get in the pool, the water suddenly disappears! Not to worry though, as the pool refills itself after a few minutes because the source of the water crazily flows in a kind of U-turn from a cave hewn of limestone. For this reason, the pool is known by locals as “Ein Hameshuga” or the crazy spring.

Level: Easy

How to get there: Take Route 1 from Jerusalem toward the Dead Sea. Turn left at Route 458 (Alon Road) and head north to Ein Maboa. Follow the signs and park on the side of the road at the entrance to the stream.

Ein Pik

Ein Pik / Photo Courtesy of PR
Ein Pik / Photo Courtesy of PR

This is a 2 km circular hike in the Golan Heights that is family-friendly. However, parts of the hike have no shade at all so it’s probably best to wait until the later hours of the day. Despite being close to the road, the hike itself gives the impression of total isolation thanks to the lack of people who frequent this spot coupled with the seemingly misplaced desert fauna along the trail. Head towards Pik Ruins – which until 1967 was a Syrian village – and begin your descent towards the refreshing spring below. You’ll traverse lush jungle-esque flora replete with lovely almond, olive and pomegranate trees. If you’re feeling peckish, feel free to help yourself to some juicy figs that surround you.

Level: Easy

How to get there: Turn right at Afek Junction onto Route 98. Continue for about 1km and turn west when you see the brown signage pointing the way to the Pik Ruins. Park your car on the side of the road.