1. Masada – Snake Path Trail

• Where: Masada, Dead Sea area, Israel
• Starting point: Masada National Park entrance
• End point: Masada fortress at the summit
• Time needed: 2-4 hours.
• Distance and Type: 5.5 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to hike: Best in the cooler months (October to April), preferably in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
• Where to Stay: There are various accommodations in the nearby towns of Ein Bokek or Arad, or you can camp at Masada National Park.

The Snake Path Trail is a popular hiking trail in Masada National Park, famous for its ancient fortress and stunning views of the Dead Sea and surrounding desert landscape. The trail zigzags up the mountain with a steep incline, requiring hikers to climb over 800 steps to reach the summit. Along the way, there are several lookout points where hikers can catch their breath and enjoy the scenic views. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding area and can explore the ancient fortress ruins. It is a challenging but rewarding hike suitable for those who are in good physical condition.

2. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

• Where: Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Dead Sea, Israel.
• Starting point: Ein Gedi Field School.
• End point: Ein Gedi Nature Reserve upper waterfall.
• Time needed: 2-3 hours.
• Distance and Type: 4.5 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: Best in the cooler months (October to April), preferably in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
• Where to Stay: Ein Gedi Field School, Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel, Masada Hostel, and more.

The David Stream Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. The trail starts at the Ein Gedi Field School and takes you through a beautiful oasis of waterfalls, pools, and lush vegetation. Along the way, you will see a variety of desert wildlife such as ibex, hyraxes, and various bird species. The trail follows the David Stream and takes you through narrow canyons and over rocks and boulders. The highlight of the hike is the upper waterfall, which is a stunning natural pool surrounded by lush greenery. The trail is well-marked and maintained, but there are some steep sections and rocky terrain, so good hiking shoes are recommended. Overall, the David Stream Trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Ein Gedi and is suitable for hikers of all levels.

3. Banias Nature Reserve – Hermon Stream Trail

• Where: Banias Nature Reserve is in northern Israel, near the Syrian border.
• Starting Point: The trailhead for the Hermon Stream Trail is at the Banias waterfall parking lot.
• End Point: The trail is a loop and returns to the same point.
• Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
• Distance and Type: 7 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: The best time to hike this trail is in the spring or fall, when the weather is cooler, and the landscape is lush and green.
• Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the area, including hotels and guesthouses in Tiberias and the nearby town of Kiryat Shmona.

The Hermon Stream Trail in Banias Nature Reserve is a scenic hike that takes you through a lush forest, past waterfalls, and pools, and along the rushing waters of the Hermon Stream. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, with several points of interest along the way, including the Banias waterfall, the ancient city of Caesarea Philippi, and a Roman bridge. The highlight of the trail is the deep pool known as the “Pool of the Nymphs,” where you can take a refreshing swim if the weather is warm enough. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature.

4. Mount Tabor – Ascent Trail

• Where: Mount Tabor, Lower Galilee, Israel
• Starting Point: Church of Transfiguration (or alternatively from Shibli)
• End Point: Summit of Mount Tabor
• Time Needed: 1.5-2 hours.
• Distance and Type: 2.5 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to Hike: Year-round, but best during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring.
• Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in Nazareth and the surrounding area.

The Mount Tabor Ascent Trail is a popular hiking route that offers stunning panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley and the surrounding landscape. The trail starts at the Church of Transfiguration and winds its way up the mountain through a series of steep switchbacks, stairs, and rocky terrain. Along the way, hikers will pass through lush vegetation and enjoy the sounds of birds and wildlife. At the top of the mountain, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. The summit of Mount Tabor is also home to several historical and religious sites, including the Church of the Transfiguration, which commemorates the biblical event of Jesus’ transfiguration. Overall, the Mount Tabor Ascent Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that is suitable for experienced hikers or those looking for a moderate to strenuous workout.

5. Nahal Me’arot Nature Reserve – Mount Carmel Trail

• Where: Mount Carmel, Northern Israel.
• Starting point: The trail starts at the Nahal Me’arot Nature Reserve visitor center.
• End point: The trail ends at the same place as the starting point.
• Time needed: 2-3 hours.
• Distance and Type: 4 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: The trail can be hiked year-round, but it is best to avoid the hottest summer months.
• Where to Stay: The closest accommodation options are in the nearby towns of Zichron Yaakov and Binyamina.

The Nahal Me’arot Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in the world. The Mount Carmel Trail in the reserve is a loop trail that takes hikers through some of the most beautiful and historic parts of the reserve. The trail starts at the visitor center and winds its way up the mountain through forests of pine and oak trees. Along the way, hikers will pass by the ancient remains of settlements and caves that were inhabited by early humans. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, with some steep climbs and rocky terrain. Hikers will also be treated to stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Jezreel Valley. The trail is a great option for hikers of all levels who are interested in history, archaeology, and nature.

6. Mount Meron – Meron Trail

• Where: Mount Meron is in northern Israel, near the city of Safed and the town of Meron.
• Starting point: The starting point of the Meron Trail is at the entrance to the Mount Meron Nature Reserve.
• End point: The end point of the Meron Trail is at the summit of Mount Meron.
• Time needed: 3-4 hours.
• Distance and Type: 7 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: The best time to hike the Meron Trail is in the spring (March to May) or the fall (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the landscape is green.
• Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of Meron, including guesthouses and hotels.

The Meron Trail is a beautiful hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding Galilee Mountains. The trail winds its way through the Mount Meron Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Along the way, hikers will pass through a mix of forest and open areas and will encounter several viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The highlight of the hike is the summit of Mount Meron, which offers breathtaking views of the entire region. The trail is well-marked and maintained and is suitable for hikers of moderate experience.

7. Ein Avdat National Park – Ein Avdat Trail

• Where: Ein Avdat National Park is in the Negev Desert in southern Israel, near the city of Sde Boker.
• Starting Point: The Ein Avdat Trail starts at the Ein Avdat spring.
• End Point: The trail ends at the Ein Avdat waterfall.
• Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
• Distance and Type: 4.5 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: The best time to hike the Ein Avdat Trail is in the fall, winter, or early spring, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for hiking.
• Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation near Ein Avdat National Park, including guesthouses, hostels, and campsites. Some popular options include the Sde Boker Field School, the Ein Avdat Farm, and the Ramon Suites Hotel.

The Ein Avdat Trail is a beautiful hike that takes you through the stunning desert landscapes of the Negev. The trail starts at the Ein Avdat spring, where you can see water flowing in the middle of the desert. The trail then winds through a narrow canyon, with towering rock walls on either side. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of desert flora and fauna, including ibex and hyrax. The trail ends at the Ein Avdat waterfall, a beautiful natural oasis in the heart of the desert.

8. Nahal Amud Nature Reserve – Amud Stream Trail

• Where: Nahal Amud Nature Reserve is in northern Israel, near the Sea of Galilee.
• Starting point: The starting point for the Amud Stream Trail is at the Nahal Amud parking lot.
• End point: The trail is a loop trail, so it ends back at the parking lot.
• Time needed: 3-4 hours.
• Distance and Type: 7 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate
• When to Hike: The best time to hike the Amud Stream Trail is in the winter and spring, when the weather is cooler, and the streams are flowing.
• Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby city of Tiberias, including hotels and guesthouses.

The Amud Stream Trail in Nahal Amud Nature Reserve is a beautiful and challenging hike that offers stunning views of the Galilee region. The trail follows the Amud Stream, which flows through a narrow canyon surrounded by towering cliffs. Along the way, hikers will encounter several waterfalls and pools, and will need to scramble over rocks and boulders in some sections. The highlight of the hike is the Amud Cave, a large cave with a waterfall that emerges from the roof. The cave is a great spot for a rest and a picnic before continuing the trail. Overall, the Amud Stream Trail is a rewarding hike that offers a unique glimpse into the natural beauty of northern Israel.

9. Mount Arbel – Arbel Cliff Trail

• Where: Mount Arbel is in northern Israel, near the Sea of Galilee.
• Starting point: The starting point for the Arbel Cliff Trail is at the Arbel National Park parking lot.
• End point: The trail is a loop trail, so it ends back at the parking lot.
• Time needed: 3-4 hours.
• Distance and Type: 5 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• When to Hike: The best time to hike the Arbel Cliff Trail is in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler. Summers in the area can be very hot, and the trail can be crowded on weekends and holidays.
• Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses in Tiberias and the surrounding area, including the Leonardo Club Hotel Tiberias and the Rimonim Galei Kinnereth Hotel.

The Arbel Cliff Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding landscape. The trail starts at the Arbel National Park parking lot and heads up to the top of the mountain, where you’ll find a fortress and a synagogue dating back to the Second Temple period. Along the way, you’ll pass through rocky terrain and climb steep staircases. The trail is well-marked, but hikers should be prepared for some challenging sections. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding area.

10. Timna Park – Mushroom Rock Trail

• Where: Timna Valley, about 25 km north of Eilat in southern Israel.
• Starting Point: Timna Park parking lot.
• End Point: Mushroom Rock, a natural rock formation in the shape of a mushroom.
• Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
• Distance and Type: 4 kilometers circuit
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate.
• When to Hike: Best to hike in the cooler months between October and April.
• Where to Stay: There are various options for accommodation in Eilat or nearby kibbutzim.

The Mushroom Rock Trail is a popular hike in Timna Park, which features unique rock formations and colorful desert landscapes. The trail starts at the park’s parking lot and winds through a rocky canyon before reaching the Mushroom Rock. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of the surrounding desert, including the famous Solomon’s Pillars, massive sandstone columns that rise from the canyon floor. The trail is well marked and easy to follow, but can be rocky and uneven in some places, so proper footwear is recommended. The Mushroom Rock itself is a fascinating formation that is shaped like a mushroom and is a popular spot for photos.