Tourism Notifications - Central Israel

Ilanot Visitors Center and Botanical Garden - Opening Hours

The Botanical garden is open for travelers between 8:00 and 17:00. Accessible public restrooms are open between 9:00 and 16:00. The visitors center hosts individual travelers and groups, registration is required – call 09-8974800 or email mmilanot@kkl.org.il. Groups can also book guided tours at the botanical garden. Staring fire is forbidden all throughout the park. Travel in the park is by foot only, with the exception of scooters used by handicapped people. Dogs are allowed in the park, as long as they are kept on a leash.

Partial Switch of the Judaean Foothills Paths to 4X4 Status

Due to heavy rains in the winter of 2022, several public paths in the Judaean foothills will switch to 4X4 status. Road signs will provide specific directions along the paths.
(Updated March 7th, 2022)

HaHamisha Forest Neve Ilan – Closure of Trails

Due to waterline constructions works, the forest trails will be occasionally be closed to visitors, especially for travel on vehicles. The works are expect to continue for several months, and the opening status of different trails can change on a daily basis. Please consult the signs in the site for more information.

Kula Forest – Closure of Warriors Path

The Warriors path will be closed from June 21st, 2021 until further notice due to forest works.

The Martyrs Forest

The path through the Judea Mountains national park and the Martyrs forest will be closed to motor vehicles, and will be open for foot travelers and bicycle riders only.

Hadera Forest – Closure of the Center of the Forest

Due to collapsing trees in the aftermath of a forest fire in September, visitors are not allowed in the center of the forest until further notice.
(Updated April 6th, 2022)

Haruvit Forest - Closure of the Public Restrooms at Halo'hem Recreation Area

The public restrooms at recreation area are closed until further notice.
(Updated April 24th, 2022)

Modi'in Forest – Temporary Detour for the Israel National Trail

Due to development works in the bridges of the Anava interchange, a two-kilometer detour has been marked for the Israel National Trail.

Aminadav Forest - Ein Hindak

The Ein Hindak spring on the springs path is closed to the public due to a collapse hazard.

Tzora-President Forest –Tnufa Mountain

The Tnufa Mountain experienced a severe storm on March 2020. While all trails are open, visitors are cautioned not to stray off them due to the danger of collapsing trees.

Sataf - Nahal Sorek Trail

The Nahal Sorek trail from the Sataf's lower car park to the water cleansing facility is closed to the public due to hazards.

Sataf - Ein Bikura Spring

The Ein Bikura spring track is open and safe for travel.

Britain Park – The Luzit Caves

The Luzit caves are closed for visitors. Entrance to the Tel Goded caves has been blocked.

Britain Park – Trails

The Red Trail (9446) – from Mitzpe Masua to Hirbet Midras – will be temporarily closed due to safety hazards in crossing road 38 (limited field of vision). KKL-JNF is in search of an alternate route that will serve the many travelers in the area.
The Blue Trail (9445) from Mitzpe Masua to the Luzit Caves – the trail has been blocked due to a ban on visiting the Luzit caves.
The Israel National Trail section, between Tel Goded and the Beit Nir road – the section has been moved in the northwest direction due to safety hazards at the Tel Goded caves area.

American Independence Park – Ein Al-Marj

Arrival and travel through Ein Al-Marj near the stalactite tunnel are extremely dangerous. The site is closed for travelers.

American Independence Park – Cesar Trail

Entrance to the Cesar Trail, from Horvat Hanut to the Beit Habad car park, along Road 375, is forbidden due to a severe safety hazard.

Closure of the Shen Hapil Recreation Area

The Shen Hapil recreation area, underneath Har Nof,  is closed due to interchange development work.

Defenders' Forest - Closure of the Road to the Youth Camp

On June 9, The road to the youth camp will be closed due to roadworks.

Mitzpe Modi'in Amphitheatre - Events

Events cannot be held at the Mitzpe Modi'in Amphitheatre until further notice.

Hulda Forest – Restroom Opening Hours

The restrooms are open on Friday, Saturday and on holidays, from 08:00 to 16:00.

Kadima Forest - Road Pavement

Due to road pavement works, entrance to the forest is allowed only through the entrance to the town of Kadima.

Hulda Forest – Herzl House

The Herzl House will re-open for visitors on March 23 as the Herzl Farm. The house will first open for a trail period, and regular opening hours will be announced in the future. Restrooms in the site will be open on Friday, Saturday and on holidays from 08:00 to 16:00.
 
The gallery floor will feature the exhibition "Welcome to the Forest" curated by D. Dan Handel, with works created by Roni Azgad-Hamburger and Eli Magziner. The exhibition was designed by Alon Sarig.

The exhibition will be open on the following dates:

March 2023:

26.3, 27.3, 28.3 10:00-15:00
31.3, 10:00-14:00

April 2023:

2-3-4.4 10:00-15:00
7.4 10:00-14:00
9-10.4 10:00-15:00
16-17.4 10:00-15:00
21.4 10:00-14:00
23-24.4 10:00-15:00
26.4, Israel's Independence Day 10:00-15:00
28.4 10:00-14:00
30.4 10:00-15:00

May 2023:

1-2.5 10:00-15:00
5.5 10:00-14:00
7.5 10:00-15:00
12.5 10:00-14:00
14-16.5 10:00-15:00
19.5 10:00-14:00
21-23.5 10:00-15:00
28-30.5 10:00-15:00

For questions regarding accessibility and special requests, email hertzel@ranwolf.co.il. An answer will be sent within 3 working days.

Ben Shemen Forest – Closure of the Hadid Single

The Hadid single is closed for cycling until further notice due to forest works.

Britain Park – White Strip at the Entrance to the Srigim Recreation Area for Travelers Coming from Road 38

To enter the recreation area, drivers are required to drive toward Ajur and make a U-turn.

Adulam Park

1) Infrastructure works for the town of Givat Eden take place at the northern entrance to the park. Travelers are advised to practice caution, and use other entrances whenever possible. 2) The hiding tunnels at Horvat Atri are now open to the public. 3) The Bell Cave is closed due to hazards.

Adulam Park - Avoiding Burglaries at the Burgin Car Park

Due to an increasing number of breaking into cars at the car park, travlers are advised to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables in them.

Hadassah Trail - Forest Works

KKL-JNF forest works take place on the 1/2-kilometer section alongside the Hadassah Trail. The works include forest trimming and creation of a border between the hospital, the neighborhood and the forest. The works are expected to last one month, and warning signs have been posted. Travelers are asked to avoid using the trail, for their own safety.

Ben Shemen Forest – Buried Trash Cans

In the coming weeks, buried trash cans will be installed throughout the forest in order to keep te forest clean. Visitors are asked to stay away from work sites and avoid using the trash cans until further notice.

Adulam Park – Closure of the Hiding Tunnels in Horvat Atri

The hiding tunnels in Horvat Atri are closed throughout the winter due to flood hazard.

Ben-Shemen Forest - Path Closure

The path leading from the Maccabean Graves to Ne'ot Kdumim will be closed on February 5, 6, 8, and 9 from 6:30 to 16:00 due to tree planting events.

Ramat Menashe Park – Nahal HaShofet Entrance

Starting on January 23, 2023, KKL-JNF and the Megido Regional Council will perform upgrade works on the section that goes from the park entrance (Road 66) to Nahal HaShofet. Entrance to Nahal HaShofet will not be allowed until the works' conclusion, estimated in December 2023.

From April 30, 2023, the road from Gahar Mountain to the Haruvim recreation area (Nahal HaShofet) will be closed for half a year due to works. Vehicles will not be allowed at Nahal HaShofet.

Jerusalem Forest

Upgrade works have commenced at the Herzl Mountain ring in the Jerusalem forest. The first stage of the works will start in February and is expected to last until mid-March, in the section between the Yad Vashem Museum and the Tzipori Center. Visitors to the center will be allowed access through the Pirhei Hen street. The second stage will last about a month and a half, on the section between the Tzipori junction and the Pirhei Hen street. Visitors to the center will be allowed access through the Israel Schuhman Road. During the works, travelers access to the forest will not be allowed, with the exception of the center. The works are expected to end in May 2023.

Kennedy Memorial - Upgrade Works

Upgrade works have began in the forest, and are expected to last a few months. The works pose no danger to travelers.

Tzora Forest

The Statue Road will be occasionally closed due to forest and safety works.

Nes Harim

The restrooms in Nes Harim are out of order due to lack of proper authorization. The closest restrooms are at Bar Bahar

Shoresh Parking Lot

Due to a malfunciton, water is unavailable at the Shoresh parking lot.

Ayalon-Canada Park

The park's gates open on 5:30 and close on 19:00. Vehicles are not allowed in the park while the gates are closed. The park is open 24/7 for foot travelers.

Overnight camping in the park is forbidden.
Emergency numbers in the park:
Police – Modi'in Ilit – 08-6314680
Fire Department – Beit Shemesh – 02-5655440
Fire Department – Judea and Samaria – 02-5690600
 
Tel Akad and the trail leading to it are closed until further notice due to safety hazards.

Hulda Forest – Herzl March

On March 31, the Herzl March will take place in the forest. Only vehicles of registered participants will be allowed into the forest. The Herzl House will be open for foot travelers.