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Passover 2025: Explore Family-Friendly Water Trails in KKL-JNF Forests

Sharsheret-Nahal Gerar Park. Photograph: Bonnie Sheinman, KKL-JNF

As Passover 2025 approaches, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) invites families across Israel to enjoy an unforgettable outdoor experience. With warmer weather upon us, KKL-JNF offers a variety of scenic water trails in its forests and nature reserves, perfect for those seeking a refreshing and enjoyable adventure. Whether you're looking for shaded paths, cool springs, or picturesque water features, KKL-JNF provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature this holiday season.

Yaron Ohayon, Manager of the Land Development Division at KKL-JNF: "As the days warm up, we're all looking for the best spots to hike. That’s why we’re happy to offer trails perfect for the season—those that provide shade, fresh air, and breathtaking views. We've curated a list of recommended sites from across the country where you can enjoy nature even during the hotter days. KKL-JNF invites everyone to get outside and enjoy these beautiful hikes in our forests."

Central Israel

The Water Aqueduct Trail, Emmaus Springs Trail in Canada Park

The famous Water Aqueduct Trail spans 2 kilometers in Ayalon Canada Park, following the path of an ancient aqueduct. This linear trail combines history and nature, passing archaeological sites, ancient caves, aqueduct structures, and terraced agricultural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and plenty of photo opportunities.

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The pool at Ein Tamarim. Photograph: KKL-JNF photo archive

Ein Sataf

Located near Jerusalem, Ein Sataf is a captivating spring that flows through a 15-meter-long tunnel. Visitors can enter the tunnel at the spring’s cave entrance and walk to the edge of the collection pool. This unique experience requires sturdy footwear and flashlights, as the tunnel is pitch dark. It’s an exciting adventure for the whole family.

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Ein Bikura at the Sataf

Ein Bikura, a small but abundant spring in the Jerusalem Mountains, offers a peaceful experience. The spring’s waters feed into a large pool, and a tunnel behind the pool allows visitors to walk upright and explore. Flashlights are essential, as the tunnel is completely dark. This is an ideal adventure for those looking to explore hidden gems in the region.

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Ein Bikura. Photograph: Bella Nudelman, KKL-JNF

The Springs Trail at Aminadav Forest

Aminadav Forest, covering 7,000 dunams west of Jerusalem, is one of the largest green spaces around the city. The Springs Trail weaves through this lush landscape, offering visitors a chance to explore rest areas, archaeological sites, and memorials such as the President Kennedy Monument and the Piano Memorial to Arthur Rubinstein. This family-friendly trail is suitable for children aged 10 and up.

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Northern Israel

Ein Akuv Recreation Area in the Mevo Hama Forest

Nestled in the heart of Mevo Hama Forest, Ein Akub is a small but scenic spring that feeds into peaceful streams. The shaded picnic and camping areas make it an ideal location for a relaxing family outing. Visitors wishing to camp overnight can enjoy comfortable surfaces and windbreaks, making it perfect for extended stays.

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Ein Akuv Recreation Area. Photograph: Yaakov Shkolnik, KKL-JNF photo archive

Shefer Recreation Area

Located beneath towering pine trees along Route 86 to Tzfat, Shefer Recreation Area is a perfect spot for nature lovers. Particularly stunning in late winter and early spring, the Tzalmon River creates a series of small waterfalls. The flow of the stream varies with rainfall, making this an especially scenic area during the spring months.

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Southern Israel

Sharsheret-Nahal Gerar Park

Sharsheret-Nahal Gerar Park, located in the western Negev, is a "green island" along the banks of Nahal Gerar, a tributary of the Basor River. The park offers scenic walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and accessible tables with drinking water stations. Nearby, Tel Haror provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, adding extra interest to this beautiful park.

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