Tzuba to Ein Lavan
with Al–Hashvil, guided by Avi Farjoun
Photos: Israel Trail Hike 2025-12-31
The route of this Israel Trail segment bears little resemblance to the “Sataf” segment which I hiked many years ago. Thus, I was eager to complete a hike I missed last year due to illness. Moreover, hiking buddy Tia raved about the beauty of this route. So, on a clear but chilly winter day, I joined an other Al-HaShvil hiking group, and saw it for myself.
From the get-go, the route did not bypass Tzuba. Instead, it crosses through the kibbutz, skirts passed Tel Tzuba, and circumvents agricultural fields and groves.
The trail through Sataf and down a long set of stone steps was the only redundant part of the hike. And even that has been altered somewhat.
Our guide Avi spoke at length about the changes in the trail’s route, and his considerations when planning his his program. He continues to lead hikes on older Israel Trail routes when he deems them to be of significance, interest and beauty. I appreciate and am glad for it.
I queried AI about the 2017 rerouting of the Israel Trail through Ein Kerem and Kiryat Menahem. It responded:
The Israel National Trail is not a wilderness-only trail. Its philosophy is: “Walking through the landscape of Israel — natural, historical, and human.”
Numerous agencies and institutions are involved in the decision-making process, and even politics plays a part. Following a detailed explanation of every decision for every change in this segment, AI summarized:
… to ensure a safe, continuous, legally accessible, culturally meaningful, and maintainable passage through Jerusalem — balancing nature, history, and everyday Israeli life while avoiding security and planning risks.
Still, I think it a shame that the trail has become overly “urbanized”, and now passes through towns such as Kiryat Shemona, Zikron Yaakov, and Arad.
Now that winter rains have drenched us, the trail alongside Nahal Sorek is lush and lovely.
We entered Jerusalem via Ein Karem, climbing a winding set of stairs (“Stairway to Heaven”) that brought us to the center of this picturesque village. Note to self — come back to wander around and have lunch here one day soon (on a weekday!)
The Israel Trail climbs from Ein Karem to Kiryat Menahem through a terraced forest. Sadly, this forest was badly burnt by fire in June 2025. New green leaves are sprouting from the ground, but I suspect many of the trees will not recover.
At the top — a view toward the churches, and Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in the distance.
Rather than take us through the streets of Kiryat Menahem neighborhood in Jerusalem, Avi led us along Henrietta Szold Boulevard. This gave us an urban landscape on one side and a scenic view of the forest on the other.
After crossing a major traffic and light-rail intersection, the trail returns to the natural landscape.
We ended our hike at Ein Lavan on the outskirts of Jerusalem.
It is still early for most wildflowers. I was delighted to spot a few cyclamen, crocuses, and narcissus, and one blossoming almond tree at Sataf.
Photos: Israel Trail Hike 2025-12-31
Once upon a time, the Israel Trail did not enter Jerusalem. The closest the trail came to the capital city was the segment I hiked with friends in 2010. While the “ups and downs” remain a challenge, they have shifted to other ridges and valleys.
