4 recommended itineraries for particularly rainy days

Winter has finally arrived, and it brings with it impressive flows, seasonal waterfalls and particularly refreshing natural landscapes. Keren Kimet for Israel offers a variety of routes all over the country, from the center and the mountains of Jerusalem, through the south to the north where you can enjoy nature in its full force even on rainy days, just after the peak of the storm has passed.

“After the peak of the storm has passed, the rainy days ahead of us are a perfect time to go out into nature and experience the streams of Israel in their full force.” Eli Yadid, director of audience reception at KKL-Junk, points out. “The Kimat Israel Foundation works all year round to restore streams, develop parking lots and make nature sites accessible to families and travelers. On particularly rainy days, the streams and forests come alive and we invite the public to come and enjoy this beauty in a safe and responsible manner.”

Nahal Kaslon in the Forest of the Saints, offers a unique hiking experience among the mountains of Jerusalem. The stream forms a deep canyon that is about 10 km long. The Kashlon stream flows into the Shork stream near the Beit Shemesh train station. This is a comfortable and pleasant route that is also suitable for rainy days, thanks to the stable and accessible route. Along the stream there is a beautiful flow that creates a magical natural atmosphere in the green and shady forest. The descent to the stream is steep and must be descended carefully. We overcome a slope that is about 100 m high. The line It is characterized by a long and upright cliff, very prominent in the landscape.

How do you get there? Drive from the Shimshon interchange (route 38/44) towards Tzuba on route 395 (or from Jerusalem via Ramat Raziel), from there turn north towards the Bnei Brit Cave (and Plum Winery).

The carob parking lot, one of the unique and oldest sites developed by KKL-Junk in the Jerusalem Forest, was established in the early 1960s as part of the Jerusalem Forest Development Plan to create a nature recreation space for the capital’s residents. The parking lot is located on the slopes of Givat Shaul, and is named after an ancient and branching carob tree that towers over its area. As part of the works, ancient terraces and orchards were restored on the site, which were also adapted to absorb and delay urban runoff For the purpose of watering the vegetation, next to the stone steps, the picnic tables, the barbecue facilities and the campfire area, the site gains a special appearance in the winter: on rainy days, waterfalls of urban runoff can be seen flowing between the terraces, a rare winter spectacle in the heart of Jerusalem.

How do you get there? The way to get there is only from Rabida Interchange (Route 16) or from Beit Zeit and go to the printing house.

Nahal Gerer, which crosses the park, is the largest of the tributaries of Nahal Hashur. The stream begins its journey in the Lahav region, among the hills of the Judean Lowlands. When it reaches the large loess plains of the western Negev, near Tel Shera, the stream does something. Its channel penetrates the alluvium and loess layers to their full depth, below the layer of kurkar rocks, up to the base of the bleached cardboard rocks below them. The cardboard rocks are among the stubborn rocks that are not willing to let water penetrate through them and therefore a series of springs is revealed above them. In a rainy winter, Nahal Gerer maintains an almost continuous flow between Tel Shera and Tel Horor, a distance of about eight kilometers.

How do you get there? Nahal Gerer Park is located between Ofakim and Netivot, the entrance to it is from Route 25. There is a direct entrance to the park in front of Tidhar Junction, turning left.

Nahal Harod, which originates on the slopes of Givat Hamorah and flows eastward to the Jordan River for about 32 km, is renewed in the winter days and is filled with a force of water that enhances its beauty. The highlight of the visit on rainy days is without a doubt the Kantara Bridge, an ancient and impressive arch bridge, below which the winter flow is concentrated with a special force. A view of the stream from the Kantara Bridge allows you to experience the rushing water as it passes between The ancient stone walls, and provides a powerful and authentic winter moment in the heart of Emek Harod.

KKL-Junk has trained the river channel into a regulated and accessible channel, turning it into a continuous scenic axis accompanied by woods and views along its entire length. The nearby walking and bicycle path is also suitable for people with reduced mobility, and opens up to travelers a variety of coves, ponds and fish ponds that blend into the landscape of the fertile valley.

How do you get there? Drive on road 71 towards the east, according to the signs pointing to Nahal Harod sites. There is a marked and convenient turn to the Kantara bridge, which leads to the most recommended observation point on the stream on days of flow.