Hiking in Israel Close to Home
Israel is a pretty small country. Even the farthest drives are not that far. In fact, it’s not unusual for us to drive all the way up north from our hometown near Jerusalem and return on the same day.
Still, sometimes, I get sick of driving.
If you’re vacationing in Israel in the summertime, it can begin to feel as if you are spending large hunks of your life just driving places. In August, traffic can be a killer. And when your car is full of kids, driving is especially unpleasant.
For the summer of 2024 in Israel, I decided that I’d like to try to find activities close to where I live, near Jerusalem. I know there are things to do. It’s just a matter of jogging my memory, remembering fun outings we took with our older kids when the younger ones were small. To this end, I’ve been perusing lists, looking over old hike maps, and trying to get a sense of what’s nearby.
If you’re in Israel this summer, you probably wouldn’t mind staying close to home. The good news is that every place in Israel is close to some sort of hiking trail. The hard part is figuring out which ones are well suited for summertime adventures with kids.
To that end, I’ve assembled some hot weather, family-friendly hiking suggestions for a few of the most popular places to live in the Holy Land. Check out my tips for summer 2024 hiking in Israel:
Beit Shemesh
When we first moved to Israel, we moved to Beit Shemesh. I think what really attracted us to the place was the large English-speaking community. It seemed like a great place to adjust to life in the Holy Land.
I also loved the incredibly mild winters, which allowed me to head to the park with my crew all season long. Summers, on the other hand, were a bit of a challenge. On most summer days, we couldn’t even think about going outdoors until 4 PM, when it started to cool down. So, finding hiking trails around Beit Shemesh for the summertime isn’t easy. Here are a few suggestions:
Nahal Katlav and the Lookout Trail
One of the first trails we ever hiked in Israel was the Shvil Nofi Nahal Katlav, a sweet, 2 kilometer trail through a forested area with great views. What makes this trail summer friendly? Well, it’s short, somewhat shaded, and there are delicious all natural popsicles at the end. There are also lots of places to stop and sit in the shade of overgrown oak trees along the way.
If your family is a bit more adventurous, I recommend hiking the real Nahal Katlav Trail, which goes down into the valley. Instead of climbing back up at the end (that’s way too hard in the summertime), I recommend that you park a second car right next to Sorek Stream. That way, you’ll be hiking downhill, and in the shade, for most of the day.
Sunset Hike: Beit Itab or Park Masarek
Remember what I said about waiting until 4 PM to head out? At that time of day, almost any trail becomes manageable. When the sun starts to descend in the sky, Israel’s trails cool down.
I know it can be hard to wait until close to sunset to get started, but there’s something fun about it too. Keep it low key and indoors at midday, then pack up a picnic basket (with a bottle of wine!) and hit the trails at the most beautiful time of day.
At Masarek, you can eat dinner at the lookout while gazing at a spectacular panoramic view of the Jerusalem Hills. At Beit Itab, I recommend having your picnic right on top of the Crusader fortress, halfway through.
Some of my kids’ best memories are from these sunset hike picnics. Once you’re done, you’ll be back home within 30 minutes to tuck your children into bed.
Har Giora 5K
It’s incredible what a difference shade makes. In Israel, if you can find a spot to hang out in the shade, you’ll stay cool even on a blistering summer day.
This 5K hike at Har Giora loops through tree lined paths right next to a thick pine forest. While hiking the trail, you’ll need sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen…and please hike it early or late in the day!). But when you stop for a picnic break, there will be no shortage of shaded beautiful spots. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the dark, deep woods.
At only 20 minutes or so from Beit Shemesh, this trail is perfect for an early morning outing with your family.
Gush Etzion
Ah, Gush Etzion…a much cooler place to be! One would think that it’s a piece of cake to find a suitable summer hiking trail in this part of the country. But the truth is, the sun burns bright in Gush Etzion just like it does all over Israel. And unless you’re in water or shade, hiking at midday can be brutal.
Still, if you live in Gush Etzion, you’ve got some options! Here are a few suggestions to get your family outdoors close to home this summer.
Bat Ayin Spring: Ein Livne
One of the coolest things about Gush Etzion is its many springs (and I mean that quite literally!) If you want a short trip outdoors, you can go spring hopping all over the region, then walk through a cold aqueduct at Amat HaBiyar.
But if you’re looking for a slightly longer adventure, a walk out to Ein Livne in Bat Ayin is just the thing.
This 1 kilometer walk will get you all heated up and ready to swim in the cool pool at the end. Non-swimmers can hang out in the plentiful shade and watch as kids Tarzan swing into the water one by one.
Ein Lavan and Ein Hania
We discovered this trail one summer. Ein Lavan is a super popular spring in Jerusalem, within easy driving distance of Gush Etzion. A short trail through nature leads from Ein Lavan over to Ein Hania, a National Park/ spring with large pools and an underground tunnel.
This trail would be a great choice for early morning. Hit up Ein Lavan before it gets crowded, then continue on to Ein Hania where you can spend the majority of your time.
Shvil Ephraim + Himalaya Chai Bar
There’s something new cooking in Gush Etzion…and I do mean cooking! If you’ve been following my posts for a while, you know I love the combo of hiking and eating. It’s even better if your hiking trail leads to a fun and unique restaurant or cafe.
I’ve had my eye on Neve Daniel’s newest restaurant, Himalaya Chai Bar, for quite some time. This super cool Indian restaurant in a bus has delicious food, great vibes, cold chai, and Paletas all natural popsicles. For a while, there were lots of pretty, unmarked trails around this restaurant. But the past few months have brought us two, new, orderly trails.
One is Derech Ephraim, a short trail that leads past beautiful views, plenty of benches and swings, and a wading pool built by Neve Daniel youth. Derech Ephraim was built in memory of Ephraim Jackman, a soldier who fell in battle this past winter. The trail is gorgeous and easy to follow. We walk out here for breakfast or at sunset with relative frequency.
Soon, another trail (Shvil Sovev Sde Boaz) will be up and running, and I’ll write a post about it. This much longer circular trail starts in about the same place.
Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Friday morning, you can go for a hike and then enjoy some delicious cold chai or Indian food (Tzohar certified kosher) at Himalaya. I highly recommend this nature/ cafe combo!
Jerusalem
If you live in Jerusalem, you’re in luck. There are so many hiking trails surrounding the Holy City – and some of them are just right for summertime hikes. Here are a few top picks:
Masarek Sunset Trail
As mentioned above, this short and sweet sunset trail is also close to Beit Shemesh. It’s right near the community of Beit Meir, on the highway towards Jerusalem.
The Masarek trail is a must-do for sunset. Pack up a picnic dinner and follow an easy trail through the trees towards one of the most spectacular views of the Jerusalem Hills that you’ll ever see.
After you watch the sun go down, you’ll return along a different trail to the sound of crickets chirping. Simply magical.
Nahal Prat
For a totally different hike vibe, head to Nahal Prat, in the desert just outside of Jerusalem. You may not think of desert when you think of summer hiking, but Nahal Prat is different. It’s a gorgeous oasis filled with cool pools, a gently flowing stream, waterfalls, frogs, fish, and everything one could want to see in the summertime.
We make a trip to Nahal Prat every single summer, sometimes more than once. You can hike along for a while through the stream or follow a short trail to a spot in the trees. Then spend the day under the shade in a cool pool catching fish.
Ein Hemed
Ein Hemed is a small national park on the outskirts of Jerusalem. This one is great for tots. The well-manicured gardens include little waterspouts which feel like full on waterfalls for little kids. There’s also a pretty stream, green grass, and plenty of shade.
Ein Hindak
Do you have some real adventurers in your brood? Then head on over to Ein Hindak, a fabulous underground spring near Hadassah Hospital. The hike to the spring is short and sweet.
Once you’re there, you’ll find yourself in the cool depths of a dark cave filled with water. Bring your flashlights and make sure to go on a hot day! You’ll need to warm up in the sun after you take the plunge.
Modi’in
Modi’in is a popular place to live. And with good reason – this centrally located city is close to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Things are kind of urban in the Modi’in area itself, but its prime location means that many good hiking trails are a short drive away. Any of the options listed above are probably not that far from Modi’in, so check those out. And here are a few more suggestions:
Hulda Forest
We hiked in Hulda Forest before my son’s big army ceremony. This forest in Central Israel is beautiful and interesting. One of the earliest kibbutzim was located in Hulda, and the area is full of fascinating historical artifacts.
Aside from the rich history, Hulda Forest is also shady, beautiful, and easy to hike. There are many flat paths and gorgeous hideaways in the trees, perfect for a breakfast picnic.
Sorek Estuary at Sunset
The Sorek Estuary at Palmahim has always been one of my favorite hikes. It’s great for families, friends, romantic outings, and more. The trail snakes along a quiet river to the sea. You can enjoy beautiful coastal trails and climb over cliffs collecting seashells.
The only caveat with this one is that it’s too hot to hike on a midsummer day. A better choice is to hike the trail in late afternoon and watch the setting sun from the beach.
Just make sure to head out before night falls. The reserve is closed at night to protect the many animals that call it home.
Tel Afek
Tel Afek is a national park which transforms through the seasons. In the winter, it’s a great place to take in history, explore a Crusader fortress, and eat lunch in the grass by the beautiful lake. In the fall, it fills up with autumn squill flowers.
But in the summer, get your kids outfitted in swimming gear and head straight for the little stream that runs through the park. Tel Afek is one “water hike” that’s perfect for the toddler set.
Whever You Go, There You Are
I hope you’ve found a few tips on this list that you can use to get outdoors this summer. The most important thing is to go enjoy nature – wherever you are! With a little bit of creativity, you can find ways to beat the heat and fill your days with meaningful experiences in Israel’s outdoors.
Anything I’ve left out? Send me a note and I’ll try to include it next time around 🙂
