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| Trail Map |  Hike it with Google Earth | Terrain View |
| Distance: 3.75km | Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate |
| Ascent: 186m |  Trailhead and Markers Gallery |
Where’s the best place to go on a nice hike in Israel?
Some would argue that the Jerusalem Mountains is an ideal destination for nature lovers. In this part of the country, mountainous trails, forests, and freshwater springs come together to form perfect hiking terrain. That’s why I feel so lucky to live near Jerusalem, where a nice hike is never very far away, no matter the time of year.
Some Jerusalem Mountains trails are quite accessible, even for visitors or locals without cars. There are trails that can be reached by bus (like Sataf and Mt. Eitan), and trails which are inside the city limits (like the Jerusalem Forest). One of my favorite hiking trails is Shvil HaMa’ayanot, or the Jerusalem Springs Trail, which is located close to the John F. Kennedy memorial.
This beautiful trail is one that we’ve come back to again and again. We’re constantly on the search for new and different ways to experience the area. I’ve taken short hikes and longer hikes on the Springs Trail, hikes with groups and on our own, at different times of day and different seasons of the year.
This past week, we decided to map out a new hiking path at the Jerusalem Springs Trail. This one would lead out from the picnic area on a less-traveled path, then down towards Tamar Spring, and back along the main pathway. With two of our children, we were hoping to scope out a quiet spot for a picnic, and to enjoy the beautiful springs and caves from a fresh perspective by hiking that part of the trail in the opposite direction.
Our hike that day was just glorious. We loved the quiet part of the trail, found an epic picnic spot, and enjoyed some springs and caves that we hadn’t really noticed before. It was the perfect hike for a late fall day.
Here’s how we hiked the Jerusalem Springs Loop Trail:
On the Way Out
We pulled into a parking spot near the woodland picnic area and got ready to head out on the trail. The weather that day was crisp and glorious. The sun was shining and the sky was filled with puffy clouds. A cool breeze whipped at our faces. It was a great day to be hiking.
We set out on a quiet path, up above the Springs Trail. It was pretty, but not too shady, which was perfect for us on that cool day. We noticed fall flowers, and took in the gorgeous views out to the Jerusalem Mountains.
Our border collie seemed to pick up on the good feeling that came with the weather that day. He bounced along merrily, running back and forth on the trail.
Turn Around
After a kilometer or so, we reached the turnoff down to Ein Tamar. This is where we left the quiet path to rejoin the more popular Springs Trail.
But first, we had to scope out a picnic spot. As we walked down the wooded path, we saw several lovely areas off to the sides of the trail. Tall pine trees provided the perfect amount of shade over flat rocks and low shrubbery. The sun shone in between the trees.
We chose one large, flat rock and spread out our picnic blanket there, so we could look out between the trees to the gorgeous views.
Out came our coffee, yogurt, granola, fruit, and sandwiches for the kids. My husband and I were so ready for our morning caffeine boost. And as we stretched out on our checkered blanket with our coffee, a feeling of complete relaxation came over the four of us.
There’s nothing like a picnic in a beautiful spot in nature.
On To the Fun Part
Having had our fill of relaxation and quiet bird song, we packed up our stuff and set back out on the trail, down to Ein Tamar. That morning, the popular spring pool was deserted. From the looks of it, it seemed it was too cold to go swimming.
We hiked back along the Springs Trail, expecting a few hikers and not much else. But we reached the next spring pool and saw a couple of teenagers, soaking wet and wrapped in towels. And at the next spring pool, a group of bikers were drying off and getting dressed.
We marveled at their tenacity despite the cold weather. Then, we continued along the path, stopping to check out a little picnic area with a stove. Nearby, a couple sat on a picnic blanket making shakshuka. This part of the hike was very different than the first half; it was lively and fun in a relaxed sort of way.
Spelunking on the Springs Trail
Sometimes, hiking a trail in a different direction allows you to gain a completely new perspective on the scenery.
After leaving behind the main springs, we passed by our favorite cave, which we stopped to explore. And once we emerged from that one, we noticed cave after cave that we had never explored before.
There was one built up tunnel which we usually see flowing with water. That morning, we were able to climb through a dry passageway.
We climbed into big caves and small caves, deep and shallow. I guess that our usual adventures on the Springs Trail include a lot more swimming and a lot less spelunking. But due to the cool temperatures that morning, we had no water adventures to distract us (as far as we were concerned).
Full Circle
Eventually, we decided that it was time to stop exploring, and to start heading back. We finished up the circular hike by walking through a forested area, back up to the trailhead towards the picnic area.
All of us had a great time that morning on this circular version of the Springs Trail, enjoying the beauty of the Jerusalem Mountains. I couldn’t believe that after so many years of hiking, we had discovered a new way to traverse this glorious terrain.
Adventure awaits outdoor enthusiasts in the Jerusalem Mountains. This short circular hike on the Springs Trail is a great way to experience beautiful nature and outdoor exploration, just outside of the Holy City.
Hikers’ Notes:
Here’s what you need to know to hike the Springs Trail Loop in the Jerusalem Mountains:
- This is a circular trail.
- This is an all season trail.
- Good for kids.
- Suitable for dogs.
- Use the trail marker gallery, trail map, and Google Earth file in the table at the top of the page to find your way on the trail.
- Wear sun protection and good hiking shoes to hike this trail. Bring the food and water you need. There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
Don’t forget to read my guide to the navigational features in this post before you hit the trail!
Trail map from Amud Anan.
