The Northern part of Israel is known for its mountain scenery, lush green beauty, and many winding streams that run into the Sea of Galilee. As for hiking trails, Northern Israel is full of them. There are tons of National Parks up north for nature lovers to explore.
But not all hikes are created equal. In the summertime in Israel, that Mediterranean heat is hard to escape. It’s best to stick to trails that are shady and close to water.
Luckily, many of the Golan and Galilee trails fit the bill. Here are five summer hikes in Northern Israel which are perfect for the warm weather:
Nahal El Al
Whether you are looking for an epic hike or a short and sweet waterfall walk, Nahal El Al is the trail for you. Families with kids can take a walk down to the Black Waterfall, a beautiful pool in a canyon made of black rock.
You’ll only have to swelter in the sun for a few minutes before weaving your way down to the thick shade found in the valley below. Swim and soak in the waterfall mist for as long as you want. Then, you can turn around and go right back the way you came to make it a short hike.
Continue along El Al Stream to the White Waterfall for a more challenging water adventure.
Click here to read the full post with maps and Waze links.
Majrase
Majrase is, perhaps, the quintessential Israeli summer water hike. This short trail leads hikers under a beautiful canopy of trees, right through a bubbling stream.
The first part of the trail is for everyone – the water isn’t so deep that you can’t walk through it. But the second part of the trail heads through deep water for swimmers only. Be prepared to get very wet at Majrase – and to experience incredibly exotic scenery.
Right alongside the stream is a wheelchair accessible/stroller friendly path, which makes this hike a great choice for families.
Click here to read the full post with maps and Waze links.
Yehudiya Falls
If waterfalls are your thing, Yehudiya is the place to be. At Yehudiya, you can follow a trail past antiquities, to beautiful views, and down to an immense waterfall pool at the bottom.
The Yehudiya falls pool is big – there are lots of nooks and crannies throughout the space where you can hide yourself away for a day of fun. It’s also shady and cool. There are flat rocks all around where you can relax for hours.
By the time you finish exploring the falls, you’ll be good and wet for the walk back up the hill to the trailhead.
Click here to read the full post with maps and Waze links.
Nahal Kziv
I can’t put together a list of best summer hikes in the North without mentioning Nahal Kziv. This Galilee area hike is the best of the best – to me it’s the most beautiful long water hike in Northern Israel.
What’s nice about the Nahal Kziv trail is that there’s always more to see – the beauty just keeps on coming. From an ancient crusader fortress and stunning views of the surrounding area, to a long and lazy riverbed path, it’s a great way to spend a day out in nature.
You’ll keep cool under the thick and twisty canopy of trees that covers the stream the whole way through. And for kicks, you can explore the secret cave at the end, with crystal clear water at your feet.
Click here to read the full post with free maps and Waze links.
Banias Springs Trail
Everyone has heard about the beauty of Banias Falls. But did you know that there is also a longer hike past the falls to Banias Springs?
This 4 kilometer hike is not very difficult, but it is incredibly beautiful. A walk on the path is like a long trip through the same scenery as Banias Falls – without all of the tourists. Most tour groups stick to the viewing points at the beginning and the end of the hike. So, you may have the trail along Hermon Stream all to yourself.
This hike is probably the best of the bunch for summer time – somehow, it always seems cool when you’re walking through a waterfall mist.
Click here to read the full post with free maps and Waze links.
Make hiking in Northern Israel a part of your summer plans. On these 5 trails, you’ll get to experience Israel’s incredible natural beauty on a carefree waterside walk.
Click on the links above to read the full hike posts, complete with maps and Waze links. You can browse through the Golan and Galilee tables for more great summer hikes in the North. Or head to the Water Hikes section for summer hikes all over Israel.
Don’t forget to read my guide to the navigational features in each post before hitting the trail.
Questions? Tips for other hikers? Leave them in the comments below!
Wow these look amazing. We hope to be in Israel next year around Yom Yerushalayim for 2 months. My husband and I are in early 60s and retired.
The weather should be perfect for these hikes around Yom Yerushalayim. Enjoy!
Kziv is amazing! challenging and fun! And El Al is a go-to! Always a winner!!