Woodland Hike in HaMeginim Forest

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Distance: 6.7kmTime: 3 hoursDifficulty: Moderate
Ascent: 160mTrailhead and Markers Gallery

Winter in Israel is a great season for hiking.  During the cold and rainy months, it’s hard to find a trail that’s not beautiful.  So this past week, when we found ourselves looking for a Friday hike early one Friday morning, we knew that whatever we chose would most likely be perfect.

While scanning the map, cyclamen and asparagus were on my mind.  Since it’s still early in the winter season, I knew that it would be difficult to find fields of red anemones.  But cyclamen would be blooming aplenty. And we wanted to take in the beauty of winter wildflowers.

HaMeginim Forest, near Tel Gezer caught our eye. In this dark, thick forest, there were sure to be lots of pink cyclamen blossoming. These flowers gather under rocks and on forest floors. They prefer the cozy darkness to the open freedom of a grassy field.

HaMeginim Forest hike
Wandering in a woodland.

We planned out a 6 kilometer circular route, baked a batch of muffins, and made a thermos full of coffee.  Then, we gathered our three daughters (and youngest granddaughter), and set out for HaMeginim Forest.

Our hike that day was just what we had hoped for. It was a beautiful journey through a magical woodland, with lots of cyclamen and asparagus to find along the way.  The fields around the forest were green and lush, and the views to the surrounding area were spectacularly clear. 

We had a wonderful time.  Here’s how we hiked this 6 kilometer loop trail in HaMeginim Forest:

This is the Place

We pulled into the forest with our car full of girls and got situated.  It took a few minutes for my husband to get the straps and buckles on the baby carrier situated, and for our daughters to gather their belongings.  So I used the opportunity to start the day’s asparagus hunt.

HaMeginim Forest hike
Ready to go.

We haven’t had much asparagus luck yet this season.  Since the rain has been sparse, it’s taking just a bit longer for wild asparagus to wake up and send forth their shoots.  But that morning, I began the day by finding several beautiful shoots to begin our collection.

Once we were all buckled up and ready to go, we set out on the flat path through HaMeginim Forest.

Stunning Beauty

This forest was so beautiful.  We had actually never hiked there in winter, and it was incredible to see how the rain had completely changed the place.  The trees were thick with dew, sending forth a gentle mist that seemed almost magical. A rich pine scent filled the air, and I breathed deep, content to be wandering in a quiet, natural area that was so full of beauty.

HaMeginim Forest hike
The view from the forest.

Although a wide, flat path escorted us through the entire hike, I decided to wander off the beaten path on parallel trails through the forest.  That way, I was able to continue our asparagus hunt while we hiked.

The girls were happy to be hiking out there, as I could see by their lively conversation.  Soon, we reached the outskirts of the Carmei Yosef cemetery.

Breakfast in the Sun

Just after passing the cemetery, we were greeted by an expansive field, with magnificent views out to the surrounding hills. The morning was still cold, and the sun looked enticing.  We decided to spread our picnic blanket on the outskirts of the field for coffee and breakfast.

HaMeginim Forest hike
Breakfast time!

It was a beautiful place to stop.  Our border collie went prancing through the field, to meet the dog of another group of hikers.  We all devoured our muffins and slowly sipped hot coffee.  The highlight of the picnic was watching our granddaughter, while she nibbled on muffin crumbs and smushed strawberries.

As usual, we could have sat in the spot forever.  But we still had a lot of ground to cover! We packed up, strapped everyone back together, and set back out on the trail.

Things We Saw and Things We Missed

HaMeginim Forest (Defender’s Forest) is full of various memorials to soldiers who died fighting for our country.  We were on the lookout for these spots as we wandered along the trails.

HaMeginim Forest hike
Lost in conversation.

What we were not aware of is that right near our picnic spot (I think) there was an ancient stone from the Hasmonean period with an inscription.  The inscription says Alkios (which can be translated to Elchanan) and “the border of Gezer”.  Apparently, this ancient stone marked the outer edge of someone’s property near Gezer.

We did see Tel Gezer while we were hiking, but we completely missed the existence of this incredible stone.  I guess we’ll have to go back to hike the trail again.

Forest Wandering

From our picnic spot, we continued to wander through the forest, taking in the gorgeous views. We stumbled upon patch after patch of pink cyclamen flowers.  Some of us chose to take the wide flat path (which was pretty muddy) while others of us (me) preferred the pine needle pathways running parallel.  By hiking in the woods, I was able to continue to add to my asparagus collection.

As we were hiking along, I noticed an incredible spot in the trees.  It was misty and beautiful, dark and deep.  The ground was covered with pine needles and cyclamen blossoms. I immediately called my distracted family towards the spot.  They all agreed that it was very much worth stopping for.

HaMeginim Forest hike
Dreamy.

We spent a few moments sitting amongst the trees, taking pictures, and enjoying the enchanted beauty of HaMeginim Forest.

Towards the Lookout

From here, we continued along the path towards a couple of lookouts.

The first was at an old olive tree.  Underneath were two stones inscribed with the names of Holocaust survivors who had died defending Israel, leaving no descendants behind.

The second was a large and beautiful picnic area, with a memorial built to commemorate Assaf Asulin, a paratrooper who fell in 2002.  We took a few moments to read the inscription on the memorial, keeping in mind the raw pain experienced by so many this past year.  The pain experienced by Assaf’s love ones over two decades ago was much the same, and worth stopping to think about.

HaMeginim Forest hike
Remembering those who have fallen.

From this meditative spot, we continued through the magnificent forest until we eventually found ourselves back at the trailhead.

Wandering in a Woodland

Each time we hike in HaMeginim Forest, I’m completely blown away.  That morning’s adventure had featured quiet forest pathways, wildflowers, and wild asparagus.  We had taken in unbelievable views, heavenly scents, and the rich history of the area.

I can’t wait to head back to HaMeginim Forest again in the future.

HaMeginim Forest hike
Can’t wait to come back here!

Hikers’ Notes:

Here’s what you need to know to hike this trail at HaMeginim Forest:

  • This is a circular trail.
  • This is an all season trail. Walk on the forest paths in the summer
  • Suitable for dogs.
  • There are many spots to cut through and shorten this trail. Use the Amud Anan app for assistance.
  • Wear good hiking boots and sun protection to hike this trail. There are no facilities. In the winter, the trail can get quite muddy.
  • To follow the trail: Walk from the dirt lot onto the main road (green trail - I don't think we saw markers). Then follow the road to the black trail. Turn right on black. When you reach the blue trail turn right onto that. Follow it to the end.
  • You can use the trail map and Google Earth file in the table at the top of the page to find your way on the trail.

Trail map from Amud Anan.

Don’t forget to read my guide to the navigational features in this post before you hit the trail!

HaMeginim Forest hike
Perfect place.
HaMeginim Forest hike
Cyclamen season.
HaMeginim Forest hike
Happy to be here.

Hiking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each hiker’s responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.

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