ISRAEL TOP TEN HIKES

ISRAEL BY FOOT – SERVICES FOR HIKERS IN ISRAEL

• Self-Guided Day-Hikes

• Israel Hiking Maps

• Multi-Day Self-Guided Treks

• Biblical Walks in the Holy Land

• Guided Hiking Tours

• Scenic Road-Trips

• Short walks and Unique picnic spots

• Free consultation for hikers in Israel

• Logistic services for hikers and mountain bikers

SELF-GUIDED DAY-HIKES

Israel by Foot offers a program of  Dozens of self-guided Day-Hikes, covering the country from North to South. The hikes are planned from ½ day to a full day outing, with distance ranging from 5 to 15 km. In each region, we selected the best hikes. All the walks are circular so that they can be done easily with one car with no need for complicated logistics. We included many hikes that are also served by public transport to serve tourists that are not traveling on a rental car. All the information is free of charge. For 5$, it is possible to download a Hiking Map with Colored Waymarked trails of the hiking area and GPS files in GPX format for mobile applications.

ISRAEL HIKING MAPS

Israel is very well covered by a set of 19 topographic hiking maps. However, these maps are not so helpful for foreign tourists. Each map covers a large region and costs about 80 Shekels (20$). Expensive if you are planning 1-2 hikes in each area.
The maps are available only in Hebrew. Because of this, Israel by Foot offers for each hike a map in English that zooms on the specific hike area. Each such zoom map can be downloaded for just 5$ and also comes with a GPS file.

MULTI-DAY SELF-GUIDED TREKS

To serve more serious hikers, we created a program of Self-Guided Multi-Day Treks that are offered with an “Inn to Inn” Service. The program includes Desert Treks, Treks in Northern Israel, and also near Jerusalem.
The “Inn to Inn” service includes:

• Accommodation in hotels or local B&B along the hiking trail.
• Daily luggage transfer to the next accommodation.
• Maps and a GPS application for mobile phones.
• Detailed briefing meeting.
• 24/7 phone support.
• A full pack that will enable you to trek trouble-free.

BIBLICAL WALKS IN THE HOLY LAND

For hikers that are more connected to the bible, we have a special section on the website. We created a set of hikes that follow some of the most famous bible stories, like the Battle of David and Goliath or the Elijah challenging the Baal prophets on Mount Carmel. All these walks are excellent hikes on their own, but the biblical story brings a unique added value.

HIKING IN ISRAEL WITH OUR GUIDES

Join one of Israel by Foot experts, and dedicated hiking guides for an unforgettable day outdoors

SCENIC ROAD-TRIPS

Israel by Foot offers a program of self-guided Road Trips, covering the country from North to South. The Road Trips are planned for ½ day – 2 days outing. All the itineraries combine Scenic driving with visits and short hikes to unique Natural, Historical, and Archaeological attractions along the way. Each Road Trip includes:

• Overview Map.
• Local Hiking Maps with Colored Waymarked trails for the stops along the drive.
• GPS files for the Short Hikes.
• Detailed descriptions and explanations.
• Google Maps links to all the landmarks along the drive.

SHORT WALKS AND UNIQUE PICNIC SPOTS

In some regions, we added on top of the Day-Hikes a bunch of very easy hikes. Easy walks up to 3 Km long, will bring you to amazing spots in Israel’s Nature.
All the spots and walks selected here are straightforward to reach and super easy to navigate when done with our Detailed hiking Maps & GPS Track Files. (Offered as free downloads)

FREE CONSULTATION FOR HIKERS IN ISRAEL

I am personally answering any questions regarding your plans for hiking in Israel. This service is provided free of charge with absolutely no obligation. My goal is that any tourist that would like to explore deeper into Israel’s nature will get the most out of his visit to our country! If you need more in-depth consulting including hiking maps and detailed itineraries I am providing also a Paid Consulting Service at an affordable rate.

ISRAEL HIKING FAQ’s

Why Hike in Israel?

The most striking feature of Israel’s landscape is its variety. This small area (Smaller than New Jersey) has a dramatic desert in the South, the Green Galilee & Golan mountains in the North, and many historical and archaeological sites that blend into the natural surroundings. If you have not hiked in a desert before, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience! we also have the weather on our side. The winter months, which present unfavorable hiking conditions in most northern countries, are the best months to hike in Israel. The best month to hike in Israel are December to April.

What is the best season to Hike in Israel?

Generally speaking, the best all-around Israel Hiking season is December to April, when daytime temperatures will range usually between 5 – 15 °C. However, it also depends on the area you plan to hike in. In the Desert, the chance of rain is always very low and outside the winter months, the temperatures will usually be too hot. Therefore the best period would be December-February while November & March-April are also possible but less recommended. In the north the best period is March – April, when temperatures are still fair, Chances for rain are much lower and the landscape is fresh and Green. December-February is great temperature-wise, but the chance for a rainy period is much higher. If you are looking for an all-around sweet spot, I would choose March. For more details check out our Month by Month guide.

Are the hiking trails in Israel Way-Marked?

Yes!!! Israel has an extensive high-quality Way-Marking infrastructure. The marking is in the form of 3 stripes. Two White stripes and between them a stripe with the color of the trail. The long-distance trails (Like the Golan Trail) have their own different markings. In most trails, it would be very clear, but sometimes you can run into sloppy marked sections where you will not spot a marker for a while. Therefore, we strongly recommend always carrying a hiking map, and better to have also GPS track on a proper mobile phone application.

Is it safe to hike in Israel?

Unlike common belief, Israel is a pretty safe place, and hiking is not a problem at all. There has never been a reported incident of anyone, foreign or national, experiencing conflict on the trail. Contrarily, many hikers have reported that they have been welcomed both by Arab and Jewish communities through which the trail passes. Always follow the basic safety guidelines.

Are there any good hikes near Jerusalem?

YES, Jerusalem is a great Israel Hiking Hub!!
To the west, the Judean mountains are characterized by steep slopes covered with evergreen forest and many wildflowers during winter and spring. However, the main attraction for hikers is the dozens of small springs that are scattered in the area. The most accessible spots to experience them are the Sataf which is a KKL-JNF regulated park, Or the Springs trail where you can visit 5 different springs in a half-day hike. To the East starts the Judean desert. Near Jerusalem, the desert still gets some rainfall and is characterized by deep canyons that some of which have a flow of water all year round. The most famous of them is Wadi Qelt (Prat Stream), One of the most popular and rewarding hikes in Israel.

Are there any serious hiking options around Eilat?

YES!!
Unknown to many, but the noisy and touristic town of Eilat is also an amazing Israel hiking location. Within a short drive from town, you’ll be able to explore wonderful desert hiking trails. What makes the Eilat mountains range unique is the contrast of colors. The sand and rocks change sharply between Black, Yellow, and Red. in the horizon, you’ve got views into the Edom red mountains and the deep blue of the Red Sea. the most known and accessible hike is the “Red Canyon”, however many alternatives for more “serious” hikes are can be tackled in the area.

What areas of Israel have marked Hiking trails?

The country has one of the best networks of trails in the world, with more than 9000 km (5500 miles) of marked trails for hiking, biking, or jeep driving. The trails all over the country from Mount Hermon in the North to Eilat in the south, including the West Bank. The trails are usually well maintained and including and include metal ladders and handle when needed.

Is it allowed to camp in Israel?

Camping is allowed everywhere in Israel, except in nature reserves. The catch is, that the most interesting places for hiking are inside reserves, even if you didn’t pass through any gate and didn’t have to pay anything at the entrance. Inside the reserves, you are allowed to sleep only in permitted campsites. Unless noted otherwise on the map, these campsites are just plain areas in which camping is allowed, and they don’t have running water or any facilities at all. The problem is, that the location of the permitted locations is noted only in Hebrew language maps. If you plan to camp in these areas, ask locals or consult with us. We will be happy to help.