Familiar Places, Different Perspective

Mazor to Ben Shemen
with A l–Hashvil, guided by Avi Farjoun

Photos: Israel Trail Hike 2026-4-23

For a pleasant change, I had only a short drive to the group’s meeting point, as we would be hiking an area close to my home. This segment of the Israel Trail took us through an area very familiar to me. In the early 2000s, around the time the toll road Highway 6 was established, I worked in Rosh HaAyin. This route formed part of my daily commute. Running alongside it is the older and slower Route 444, which has also undergone significant expansion and development over the years.

Moreover, the green areas along the highway are my orienteering club’s “home turf” — Kula Forest, Shoham Forest, and Ben Shemen Forest. I have crisscrossed these forest paths more times than I can remember, yet I had never hiked this stretch of the Israel Trail.

Due to ongoing urban development, this segment has changed four times in the past six years. It valiantly attempts to remain on paths and trails in green spaces away from the roads. But the sound of nearby construction and vehicular traffic accompanied us the entire day.

Starting out. Route 444 crossing over Highway 6.
Kula Forest and the Haredi city of Elad in the background.

Near Givat Koah – looking west towards Tel Aviv and environs.

Crossing the intersection of routes 444 and 4613.

Heading into Shoham – a lovely biking/walking trail encompasses the city.

Heading out of Shoham.
This modern and attractive city has now become a prominent feature along the trail,
offering parks and shops for the benefit of passing hikers.

Shoham Community Forest contains Khirbet Tinshemet, an archeological site from the Byzantine period.
Among the relics is a mosaic copy of the Madaba Map.

After crossing under Highway 6, we had some climbing to do.

Nahal Natof, below Highway 6.
Note the “Tunnel Ahead” sign. When driving, I normally exit the highway immediately after the tunnel.

The groves of mature olive trees is a sign we have reached the Tel Hadid section of the Ben Shemen Forest.

Our final break, atop Tel Hadid. Overlooking Highway 1, Ben Gurion Airport, and Tel Aviv environs.

Thankfully, rain and cooler weather persisted a bit longer than usual this year.
The landscape was mostly green, and wildflowers were still in abundance.

Photos: Israel Trail Hike 2026-4-23