hiking in Israel Archives

Hidden Gems

11 May 2025

It's early May and heat waves are now rolling in, adding to the challenge of hiking the Israel Trail. Fortunately, this segment was mostly downhill, and not particularly difficult. Surprisingly, the highlights of the hike were in the places where our guide led us off the currently designated route of the Israel Trail.

Zikaron BaShvil (Memory on the Trail)

25 April 2025

Our hiking group, like the other groups which are now in their fourth season with Al Hashvil, bears the name of a tree. We are the Brosh (cypress) group. In many Mediterranean cultures the cypress represents the tree of life. With its towering, evergreen stature, it symbolizes the uplifting of the human spirit and everlasting life. Indeed, that was the theme of this hike in the hills of Jerusalem.

Green Fields

21 February 2025

This segment of the Israel Trail in the northwest Negev is an easy, walk-and-talk kind of hike. The trail is mostly along agricultural dirt roads. Some might call it boring. But it was all I needed for a brief escape from the distressing and discouraging current events here in Israel. Fortunately, the weather was cool and the sun stayed behind clouds all day. Best of all, the timing was ideal for the visual splendor of verdant fields and winter wildflowers.

Mount Karbolet “Camp-Us”

3 February 2025

The Karbolet is considered one of the most difficult segments of the Israel National Trail. I would never have attempted this 2-day hike on my own - not even at a younger age. Thanks to our superb guide Avi and hiking-mates who literally had my back, I was able to complete a bucket-list adventure.

Judean Desert “Camp-Us”

25 November 2024

Two glorious days on the Israel Trail in the Judean Desert, from Arad to Massada. An overnight trip ("campus" in the lingo of the organizers) but not a camping trip (we stayed in a comfortable hotel). Amazing and challenging desert landscapes. Wonderful comraderie.

In the Footsteps of Martyrs and Heros

4 November 2024

As I hiked the Israel National Trail last week, ascending towards Jerusalem from Shaar Hagai to Nahal Kislon, I could see and feel the history of modern-day Israel and the country's struggle for survival in every step. The trail bears witness to the Holocaust and the War of Independence. As our guide Avi spoke of Ben Gurion's leadership and the military operations in 1948, the tales were hauntingly similar to current events in the region today.

Season 4, Episode 1

13 October 2024

I was back hiking the Israel Trail last week, to start our fourth season. The Burma Road and its role in Israel's War of Independence was the central theme of the hike. We heard about the challenges, dangers, and acts of heroism in 1948. But our thoughts and conversations throughout the day rarely strayed from the current events in Israel — family members serving in the IDF, the hostages still held in Gaza, the ongoing attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah, Houtis, and Iran. Although the members of our group span the spectrum of political ideologies and religious leanings, we all share a yearning for a safe, peaceful and prosperous Israel.

Squeezing in Nature

5 May 2024

It's hard to escape the sights and sounds of urbanization when hiking in the vicinity of Hadera, midway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. But clever logistics by the Al Hashvil organizers gave us maximum time in natural environments on this Israel Trail hike.

Water Joy (מים בששון)

15 April 2024

Another day of escape on the Israel Trail last week. Although I knew the hike would start at the Ein Tzur spring, and end on the Mediterranean shore at Caesarea, I was not expecting so many water features and water challenges along the way. Lots of fun.

Wildflower Bouquets

1 April 2024

Our latest Israel Trail hike on the Mount Carmel range delivered a rich medley of terrain and vistas. The hike itself was not difficult. But the day brought the first heat wave of 2024. Many of us were not quite prepared -- mentally or physically -- for the high temperatures that day. Abundant and colorful arrays of wildflowers decorated the landscape. Our guide and some of my hiking partners are adept at putting names to flowers. I stick to capturing their beauty in photos.