Location: Lahav Forest, southern Shfela.
Description: The Karel Scenic Lookout is in the western part of the Lahav Forest, at the high point of an elevation overlooking the ruins of Abu Hof and its churches.
The lookout includes a broad plaza adjoining a wall of stone and providing a view of Lehavim, Rahat, Ashdod, Ashkelon, and the expanses of the Shfela and southern coastal plain.
The plaza is exposed to the sky, without shade.
Directions: Enter Lahav Forest from the direction of Kibbutz Dvira (Route 325) and pass by the Joe Alon Center. Roughly 300 meters past the turning to Rimon Ruins, turn south (leftward) onto a gravel road.
Drive another 200 meters or so and take the turn west (rightward). Pass by the Doron parking lot and continue to Kochav (Star) Junction (so called because it has six exits). Continue straight ahead according to the signs leading to the Karel Scenic Lookout. (If using Waze, go to the Joe Alon Center and follow the above directions from there.)