Nahal Amud Nature Reserve

Nahal Amud Nature Reserve: A Pristine Wilderness and Cradle of Civilization

Nahal Amud Nature Reserve is widely recognized as one of the most diverse and captivating natural landmarks in Northern Israel. Stretching from the slopes of Mount Meron toward the Sea of Galilee: this deep limestone canyon offers a unique combination of flowing perennial springs: lush riverine vegetation: and archaeological wonders of global significance. Visiting Nahal Amud Nature Reserve provides a journey through hundreds of thousands of years of human history: where hikers can find prehistoric caves side by side with traditional orchards and ancient flour mills. The Nativa travel portal provides comprehensive information to plan your exploration of this biodiversity hotspot and its scenic hiking trails within the magnificent Nahal Amud Nature Reserve.

Key Highlights in Upper Nahal Amud:

• Ein Yakim Spring: A powerful perennial spring that serves as a life source for the entire ecosystem. Historically used to pump water to Safed: today the water is returned to the stream bed to support local flora and fauna. Near the spring: Nahal Amud Nature Reserve features a British Mandate era pump house built in the form of a small fortress.
• The Restored Orchard (HaBustan): A living demonstration of traditional agriculture once common in the Galilee. Exploring Nahal Amud Nature Reserve reveals terraced gardens with various fruit trees: including a massive walnut tree: all fed by an ancient irrigation aqueduct.
• Shakhwi Pools: Located at the meeting point of the Shakhwi and Amud streams: these shallow and crystal clear pools are shaded by giant Oriental Plane trees. This is one of the most popular spots within Nahal Amud Nature Reserve for resting and enjoying the cool water: surrounded by the ruins of old water powered flour mills.
• Ein Tina Police Station: A bullet scarred British concrete structure from the Great Arab Revolt of the 1930s. Although Nahal Amud Nature Reserve prohibits entry due to safety risks: the building stands as a historic monument to the regional conflicts over water resources.

Wonders of Lower Nahal Amud:

• The Pillar (HaAmud): The iconic twenty meter high limestone pillar that gives the reserve its name. Formed by thousands of years of erosion: this natural monument stands alone in the riverbed: attracting hikers who come to admire the geological beauty of Nahal Amud Nature Reserve.
• Prehistoric Caves: The Amud and Zuttiyeh caves are internationally famous for the discovery of the "Galilee Man" remains. Excavations in these cliffs provided early evidence of Neanderthal and modern human presence: dating back over three hundred thousand years. Nahal Amud Nature Reserve protects these caves as vital habitats for rare bat species.
• Raptor Nesting Cliffs: The towering cliffs of Nahal Amud Nature Reserve serve as a critical nesting ground for vultures: eagles: and other birds of prey. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority maintains active conservation programs here to protect the local raptor population.
• Chera Lookout and the Siphon: This viewpoint offers a perspective on a modern engineering feat where the National Water Carrier crosses Nahal Amud Nature Reserve through massive steel pipes reaching a depth of one hundred fifty meters.

Opening Hours and Visitor Information:

Please note that entry to the various trails within Nahal Amud Nature Reserve closes strictly a few hours before the official park closing time to ensure hikers exit before dark.

• Summer Season: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 to 17:00. Entry to the long trail until 14:00 and the short trail until 15:00. On Fridays: the reserve closes at 16:00.
• Winter Season: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00. Entry to the long trail until 13:00 and the short trail until 14:00. On Fridays: Nahal Amud Nature Reserve closes at 15:00.
• Important Notice: For nature conservation reasons: staying in the reserve is only permitted from one hour after sunrise until one hour before sunset. We highly recommend checking the official website of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for the most up to date information before visiting Nahal Amud Nature Reserve.
• Waze Directions: To reach the main entrance: enter into Waze: Nahal Amud Nature Reserve — Parking and Information Center.

Practical Tips and Guidelines:

• Safety First: Hiking is only allowed on marked trails during daylight hours within Nahal Amud Nature Reserve. Entering prehistoric caves is prohibited to protect endangered bats.
• Fire Safety: Lighting fires or using gas stoves is strictly forbidden throughout the entire Nahal Amud Nature Reserve to prevent forest fires.
• Preparation: We suggest wearing sturdy walking shoes with good grip and carrying plenty of water: as the trails can be steep and rocky.

Nativa Recommendation: Don't miss the refreshing Shakhwi pools for a perfect break in the middle of your hike. The Nativa portal invites you to experience the raw power of nature and the deep layers of history at the magnificent Nahal Amud Nature Reserve.