Discover Hikes for Fall in Israel
Autumn – it’s a great time of year. In Israel, the fall season boasts a unique type of natural beauty. From late September to November in Israel, you won’t encounter cold temperatures or colorful leaves, at least not in most parts of the country. But you will begin to see flocks of migratory birds flying in formation through the sky. You may notice tall squill flowers on hiking trails, or autumn crocuses popping through the ground. And with the wind picking up a bit, the idea of hiking becomes a lot more appealing in fall than it was in the blazing heat of summertime.
But there’s one caveat: since the summer season in Israel is bone-dry, there’s not a lot of greenery come fall-time. Many of Israel’s nature trails need a few more months before they become green, lush, and flower filled. So how do you choose a trail that’s going to be beautiful during autumn in Israel?
My #1 tip is to seek out trails with lots of trees. Grass and shrubbery die out during the dry season, but most of Israel’s trees stay green year-round. Another fall hiking tip is to look for trails that show-off their autumn finery, like squill flowers and migratory birds.
With the recent arrival of cooler weather and clouds, I’ve been thinking about some trails that I’d really to hike in the coming months. And I’m going to share them with you now.
Here are 5 fabulous hikes for fall in Israel:
Mount Eitan
Mount Eitan – there’s something about this place that keeps me coming back again and again.
Although this 8 kilometer hiking trail around the summit of Mount Eitan is not very rugged or difficult, it is simply beautiful…at almost any season. From this Jerusalem area trail, you can take in the spectacular views of rolling mountains and hills. Lose yourself in conversation as you feel that fall breeze blow in your face. And make sure to take the optional detour through the thick pine forest on your return to the trailhead.
This is one hike that definitely has that autumn vibe.
For the full hike post with maps click here.
Mount Ya’ale
This hike near Nes Harim is not well known – and that’s a good thing! We hiked there just last week, and we didn’t see another soul on the trail.
The first part of the hike is in the sun, but if you take the optional detour up Mount Ya’ale, you’ll find yourself in a thick and shady pine forest. Most of the rest of the path leads under a canopy of oak and katlav trees. There are lots of places to stop in the shade and spread out a picnic blanket on a carpet of oak leaves, while gazing out on spectacular views of the valley below.
Last fall bonus for this trail: there are lots of squill flowers along the path. These white beauties will remind you that Israel has its own special autumn beauty.
For the full hike post with maps click here.
Long Ramble Through Little Switzerland
The Carmel Mountain National Park is known for its long and challenging trails, which lead over rocks and giant tree roots, under canopies of shade.
This long ramble through Little Switzerland is a perfect example.
I can’t think of a better place than the Carmel to hang out in the fall time. At this season, you know the trails won’t be slippery or wet, but you’ll get the benefit of thick shade the entire time.
In fact, there are several Carmel area trails that would be ideal for fall. My second top choice would be this loop at Kelach and Oren riverbeds.
Choose your Carmel trail and get ready for a spectacular day enjoying fall nature in Israel.
For the full hike post with maps click here.
Gibton Springs National Park
This hike at Gibton Springs was a fall discovery of ours a few years back. Since it’s located in Central Israel, most of the hike is not particularly shady or lush. So, what makes it perfect for the fall season? Gibton Springs National Park has a bird observatory, and fall is one of the best time of year to see these guys in action.
Midway through the hike, you’ll reach a beautiful nature reserve centered around freshwater springs. Here, birds tend to gather during migration season, especially at sunrise or sunset. Since sunrise is late in early fall, you should have no trouble getting here early enough to see some feathered creatures in action.
Beyond the springs, a fun forest makes a great place for a picnic. Pack a basket full of pumpkin muffins, camembert cheese, and grapes, and enjoy breakfast in the relaxing atmosphere of Gibton Springs.
For the full hike post with maps click here.
Lahav Forest
Flowers in Israel can be incredibly fleeting. And perhaps, none more so than the elusive fall holmoniot, bright yellow blossoms that appear for a week or two in November.
A few years back, we hiked in Lahav Forest in the hopes of getting a glimpse of the holmoniot before they faded away. And we were lucky enough to see lots of them.
Just north of Be’ersheva, this hike in Lahav Forest is only worth hiking at one specific time of year – and that’s autumn time. The yellow flowers really glam up the place. Schedule this hike into your fall itinerary, and make sure to hike it mid-November.
For the full hike post with maps click here.
Let the Fall Time Adventures Begin!
I hope this list of fabulous fall hikes in Israel helps you plan out your fall-time adventures!
Although autumn in Israel may look nothing like it does in New England, the season comes with its own set of features unique to the Holy Land. If you plan your days right, you can enjoy the best that the season has to offer while hiking to your heart’s content on Israel’s nature trails.
