Sharsheret Park, Nahal Grar

Photograph: KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Sharsheret Park, Nahal Grar is a "green island" – a forest that ascends into the cultivated loess plains of the Western Negev. The forest was planted on both banks of Nahal Grar, one of the important tributaries of Nahal HaBesor
This section of the river contains much water in most months of the year and is therefore an important natural asset for animals in the surrounding area.
KKL-JNF has marked scenic roads and bicycle trails in the forest and prepared in it recreation areas with drinking water and wheelchair accessible tables.
The historical site of Tel Haror rises to the north of the river, and an attractive panorama of the surrounding area can be viewed from its summit and adds enjoyment to the experience of visiting the place.
  • How to get there

    The entrance to the forest is from Route 25, between Netivot Junction and Gilat Junction, opposite the entrance to Moshav Tidhar, between the 205–206 km markers.
  • Entrance fee

    Entrance to the park is free of charge.
  • Geographic location-

    Arava region,Mount Negev
  • Area-

    south
  • Target audience-

    adults
  • Track length-

    2 - 3 hours
  • Special Sites in the Area-

    Naama Farm for agricultural activity and cheese production, Be'eri Forest, Ofakim Park, the Baba Sali Park in Netivot, and Hatzerim Forest - the Sculpture Trail
  • Special Sites in the Park-

    Tel Haror
  • Type of parking-

    Accessible parks,Picnic parks
  • Interest-

    Bicycle track

About the park

Nahal Grar, which crosses the park, is the biggest tributary of Nahal HaBesor.
It begins in the area of Lahav, among the Judean foothills.
When it reaches the large loess plains of the Western Negev, near Tel Sera, the river does something. Its channel undermines the layers of silt and the loess to their full depth, under the layer of kurkar rocks, until it reaches the white chalk rock bed underneath them. These are obstinate rocks that are not prepared to allow the water to permeate through them and therefore a series of springs appear above them. In a rainy winter Nahal Grar flows almost continuously from Tel Sera to Tal Haror, for 80 km.

Water flows in the section of the river in Sharsheret Park for most of the year.
The Jordan Tamarisk trees and common reed thickets, two plants that benefit from the river's salty water, serve as a hiding place for many birds.
If you walk a short way along the river in the late afternoon and keep quiet, maybe you will be lucky and see a jungle cat stalking its prey.
In summer bee-eaters and rollers fly here – colorful birds that dig long tunnels for nesting in the soft loess cliffs.

A few meters west of Route 25, to the north of the park entrance, the scenic road crosses the arched bridge over Nahal Grar.
The road utilizes the old Route 25. The historical bridge was built in the period of the British mandate.

Flowers in the park

KKL-JNF For the Community

Sharsheret Park – a focus for community activity

In the past Sharsheret Park, Nahal Grar was a main community focal point of the surrounding communities from the Sdot Negev, Bnei Shimon and Merhavim regional councils and the city of Netivot. Here Independence Day and Mimouna celebrations took place and, in the wood that serves as a natural amphitheater, performances were held outdoors. Over time, the activities in the forest ceased.

KKL-JNF is working to restore the forest's former glory and return it to the community. The nine recreation areas, most of which have wheelchair-accessible tables, are available to the residents of the area. Major events initiated by KKL-JNF also take place in the park, which has returned to fulfill its social purpose as in the past.