Northern Golan Heights: Yardinon Dam
The Yardinon stream flows year-round and a wide concrete dam was built within it, forming a large deep pool. The pool is surrounded by dense reeds that shade its edges. Wooden platforms were installed on both sides for sitting.
Trail length and duration: About 3 km, around one hour.
How to get there: Arrive at the Gonen Junction on Road 918 and head east toward the Golan Heights. After about 6.5 km, pass the turnoff to the Kela settlement and continue straight. After about 900 meters, turn left onto a narrow and slightly rough road marked with a sign reading “End of road maintenance.” This is the northern section of the Petroleum Road, crossing the plateau. Drive carefully and track distance. After about 1.9 km, cross the Orevim Stream. The road continues through valleys with views of the Hula Valley on the left. After about 5.9 km on the Petroleum Road, turn left onto a dirt track that descends gently, passes a water reservoir on the right, curves right and continues between fences. At the end of the fences, continue west on a rough track facing the Hula Valley and the Naftali Ridge. After about 1.25 km, the road bends left and briefly becomes smoother. Continue south, and after about 1.15 km it turns right and descends westward again. After about 700 meters, you reach a T-junction with a red-marked trail. From here, the road is suitable only for off-road or high-clearance vehicles, so park and continue on foot.
Navigation note: Gonen Junction.
Walking route: From the parking area, turn left and follow the rough red-marked trail uphill. After about 1.5 km, bougainvillea bushes appear on the right, followed immediately by a pedestrian gate. Turn right, pass through the gate and descend a short path to the pool. Off-road vehicles can continue following the walking directions and park near the gate about a minute from the water. Driving difficulty: easy to moderate.
Korazim Plateau: Ein Yarda
A pleasant time to visit the shallow pools of Ein Yarda. The Mahanayim Stream winds along the slopes of the Mishmar HaYarden area. In the center of the channel, the Ein Yarda spring emerges, forming a slow-flowing stream beneath eucalyptus trees. The wide shaded area is suitable for picnics and short stays. It is recommended to sit by the water, dip your feet and even enter the deeper pool on the western side of the stream.
Trail length and duration: About 800 meters, around 20 minutes.
How to get there: Reach Mahanaim Junction on Road 90 and turn east onto Road 91 toward Katzrin. Drive about 3.2 km and turn left toward Horvat Yarda. Continue on a narrow road between pear orchards, and after about 750 meters you reach a junction with a dirt road turning left down toward the stream. Park along the road. Off-road vehicles can continue to the water.
Navigation note: Mahanaim Junction.
Walking route: From the parking area, turn left onto the wide trail and descend. Follow the path as it curves right, ignore side paths, and head toward tall eucalyptus trees visible in the valley. After about 10 minutes, reach a T-junction near the trees. Turn left and then immediately right, entering the open area under the eucalyptus trees and the stream of Ein Yarda.
Southern Sea of Galilee Basin: Shallow Pools in Yavne’el Stream
Nahal Yavne’el flows year-round and offers many scenic spots. The most special is under tall eucalyptus trees at the lower entrance to the trail. A shallow stream flows nearby where visitors can dip their feet or sit in the water and enjoy a picnic in the shaded clearing.
Trail length and duration: About 50 meters, a few minutes.
How to get there: Reach Tsemah Junction on Road 90 and head west toward Tiberias. After about 1.5 km, reach Beit Yerah Junction and turn left toward the Yardenit site and Kibbutz Kinneret. Pass the Yardenit parking lot and after about 550 meters turn left onto a dirt road marked in green toward the Beitania wastewater facility. Continue south, pass several parking areas along the southern Jordan River, and after about 1.6 km reach a junction. A bridge crosses Yavne’el Stream ahead; turn right before it. Continue about 400 meters along the stream until a dirt parking area at the end.
Navigation note: Yardenit.
Walking route: From the parking area, walk to the water channels under the eucalyptus trees.
Beit She’an Valley: White Waterfalls Pools
Near the road leading to kibbutz Ein HaNatziv and Tirat Zvi are hidden gems known as the “White Waterfalls,” named for a flowing stream that creates small cascading falls among dense trees. It is a joy to sit in one of the pools on large trunk-like rocks or lie under the flowing water beneath the small waterfalls.
Trail length and duration: About 100 meters, a few minutes.
How to get there: Reach Ein HaNatziv Junction on Road 90, just south of Beit She’an, and head east toward Ein HaNatziv and Tirat Zvi. After about 300 meters, there are two parallel dirt road turns on the left. Take the first one. Continue on the wide road past a fenced facility on the right, where dense vegetation begins to appear. After about 350 meters, the road curves slightly left. Continue another 100 meters and park when you see a convenient descent to the water on the right.
Navigation note: Ein HaNatziv Junction.
Walking route: From the parking area, pass two large pipes and descend into the clearing within the grove, where the waterfalls are located.
Ramat Menashe: Ein Rehanyah
The spring waters of Ein Rehanyah emerge in the upper reaches of HaShofet Stream in Ramat Menashe and flow along the valley through dense vegetation. Entering beneath a natural canopy of reeds leads to a series of small waterfalls and beautiful pools. Swimming is prohibited, but sitting by the water is allowed. The sound of flowing water, the shade of the reeds and the surrounding quiet make it a wonderful resting spot.
Trail length and duration: About 1.5 km, around 40 minutes.
How to get there: Reach Elyakim Interchange on Road 70 and head toward Ramat HaShofet and Elyakim. Pass the turnoffs to Elyakim, Yokneam and Ein HaEmek, and about 300 meters after the Ein HaEmek turn, park in a large dirt lot.
Navigation note: Elyakim Interchange.
Walking route: Follow the red-marked trail. The marking is faint but the path is clear. Descend about 800 meters in the sun until a junction at the entrance to Ein Rechania. Turn left onto a wide path, walk about 12 minutes, then at a fork take the right trail. Descend about 100 meters to a large clearing near reeds and an old mill. Enter the reeds to reach the pools and small waterfalls.
Northern Jordan Valley: Ein Sukkot
In the northern Jordan Valley, the waters of Ein Sukkot spring from the ground, filling a large round pool surrounded by reeds, as well as a small shallow pool suitable for children. The site was recently renovated, with a wooden deck and a floating walkway leading to the main pool. A small ladder allows access from the right side, or visitors can jump in from the edge. Floatation mats are recommended. Families can also enjoy the shallow pool.
How to get there: Drive on Road 90 south from Beit She’an toward Mehola Junction. About 2 km past Mehola Junction, turn left onto a narrow road toward Ein Sukkot. After about 300 meters the road becomes rough. After about 1.8 km, turn right and continue east. After about 420 meters, reach a right turn onto a dirt track suitable only for high-clearance or off-road vehicles. Regular cars should continue straight for about 600 meters to a T-junction, then turn right. Drive along a fence on the left, then after about 750 meters turn carefully right onto a dirt track and continue about 100 meters to a parking area.
Navigation note: Ein Sukkot.
Trail length and duration: About 350 meters, a few minutes.
Walking route: From the parking area, climb a rock step, cross over a pipe and continue uphill alongside a fence. After about a minute, pass a gate, turn left through it and descend toward the main pool. The shallow pool is about a minute further along the path on the left.
Ramat Menashe: Ein Aviel Waterfall
Along Taninim Stream near moshav Aviel, several pools have formed where visitors can swim in clear water among reeds. One pool sits in a natural hollow beneath a canopy of reeds at the edge of a small waterfall.
Trail length and duration: About 5 km, around an hour and a half.
How to get there: Reach Ada Junction and turn onto Road 653 toward Giv'at Ada. After about 3.4 km, turn left toward Aviel and Amikam. Continue on Road 654 for about 1.5 km, pass the first entrance to Aviel, and about 350 meters later, where the road curves sharply right, leave it onto a wide dirt track and continue straight north. Drive about 160 meters, cross a small bridge over Taninim Stream and immediately reach a junction where you park.
Navigation note: Ada Junction.
Walking route: From the parking area, turn right onto a green-marked trail heading east. Walk about 1.8 km along orchards and the stream until a junction, continue straight for another 120 meters, then descend into the valley to a hidden pool among reeds. Continue further to reach another secluded pool.
Northern Judean Hills: Ein Nakuba
The waters of Ein Nakuba, emerging in Kisalon Stream, flow into an old small pool partly covered by a broken arched roof. Trees and benches surround the site, and a large mulberry tree provides shade, making it an excellent picnic spot.
Trail length and duration: About 1 km, around 20 minutes.
How to get there: Reach Hemed Interchange on Road 1 and head toward Abu Ghosh and Kiryat Anavim. After about 70 meters, turn right toward Bayt Naqquba. Enter the village, drive along the main road for about 300 meters, then take the right fork. Continue for about 120 meters and turn right onto a dirt road parallel to Road 1. After about 400 meters, continue toward Ein Neqouba. After about 950 meters, reach a junction. The right-hand road is marked red and connects to the route. Park if needed and continue.
Navigation note: Hemed Interchange.
Walking route: Continue straight on the red-marked trail, cross a small stream and continue. After about 130 meters, reach a junction with a large oak tree. Continue straight onto the blue-marked trail. After about 320 meters, turn left toward a large mulberry tree that shades the spring.
Southern Judean Hills: Ein Ashkaf
Ein Ashkaf is a hidden spring among ancient agricultural terraces in the Judean Hills, beneath dense tree cover that shelters the pool. The water is cold and contains goldfish. Swimming in the secluded pool is a refreshing experience, with many shaded resting spots nearby.
Trail length and duration: About 1 km, around half an hour.
How to get there: Reach Kerem Junction on Road 395 and turn west onto Road 386 toward Hadassah Ein Kerem and Tzur Hadassah. After about 500 meters continue straight. Drive about 4.2 km on a narrow winding road and turn left toward a power station. Continue uphill and before the entrance gate turn left onto a black-marked trail around the station. After about 450 meters, reach a junction and park.
Navigation note: Kerem Junction.
Walking route: Turn left from the parking area following the wooden sign to Ein Ashkaf. Walk about 450 meters, then turn left onto a narrow path. Descend wooden steps to Ein Eran pool. To reach Ein Ashkaf spring, turn right and continue through dense vegetation.
Northern Arava: Ein Plutit
Near the settlement of Neot HaKikar, beneath palms and reeds, lies a hidden spring known as the “Love Spring.” Its clear, slightly warm and mildly salty waters are tucked away from the road by the palm grove, creating an intimate atmosphere that has inspired local legends about love growing among the trees.
Trail length and duration: About 20 meters, a few minutes.
How to get there: Drive on Road 90 toward the Dead Sea factories. About 5 km south of the factories, turn toward Neot HaKikar and Ein Tamar. Continue about 5 km, spot a group of palms on the left and park immediately after them in a roadside bay.
Navigation note: Neot HaKikar.
Walking route: From the parking area, enter a narrow path between the palms for about 10 meters until you reach the spring.
For detailed information on routes and navigation to parking points: the guide series 370 Springs and Water Pools and 45 Water Trails, the “Maslulim” app and the Maslulim website.