Changes in the weather lead to natural and colorful blooming, and the current season sees the Lupine Hill covered by the magnificent blooming of the mountain lupine. The flower often grows in impressive assemblages in dry locations. Its large seeds contain a small amount of poison, that requires boiling in hot water in order to neutralize and make it edible (do not try this at home!). Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (the Rambam) and Asaph the Physician both wrote of the lupine's healing qualities. The flower is protected in Israel, and travelers are asked to respect its blooming, not to pick its flowers or collect its seeds.
The Tel trail (marked in blue) is a circular trail of about 2 kilometers. The trail starts in a steep climb, but gets easier as it continues. Near the trail are the remains of a byzantine mosaic and the remains of a roman fortress that controlled the way to Jerusalem.
Tel Sokha is identified as the ancient town of Sokha, mentioned in the bible as the city conquered by Joshua along with the nearby cities of Adulam, Azekah, Yarmuth, and Shaaraim. According to the bible, in front of Sokha of Judea, the philistines have set their forces in preparation to the battle between David and Goliath:
"Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines" (book of Samuel 1, 17:1-2).
Adi Tene Nathan, KKL-JNF Crowd Coordinator at the Mountain Area: "we invite travelers to come and enjoy the area which brings together colorful blooming, landscapes and heritage. At the foot of the site, there is a large parking area, and many trees. To make the visit a pleasant one, we ask travelers to park their cars in an orderly manner and avoid harming the trees, so that in several years travelers will be able to enjoy cool shaded sitting spots."