Picturesque Nahal Saar
On this picturesque one-way family hike along Nahal Sa’ar you will see a number of small waterfalls and an impressive waterfall at the end of the hike, although there is only flowing water from the winter to as late as May. Nevertheless, there are beautiful views of the surrounding countryside all year round. You will need to think how to get back to your car.
THE HIKE
Time: 2 hours.
Distance: Almost 4 Km.
Type of hike: One-way.
Difficulty: Much of the path is very easy, but there are areas with rocks in the path, particularly towards the beginning and end of the hike at descents and ascents.
Directions: Enter into Waze “״.גשר הידידות The Nahal Saar upper parking lot is on your left just before the bridge as you come from Route 99. There are some shaded stones to sit on if you want to picnic here.
Starting point: At the corner of the parking lot is a green marking for the trail.
Public transport: Enter into Moovit “גשר הידידות”. The bus stop is a few hundred meters away from the bridge. There are several moderately frequent bus lines that stop here, including a bus between Katzrin and Ein Qiniyye.
THE HIKE:
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The green trail goes along the side of the valley. On the other side of the valley are the orchards of Ein Qiniyye, which extend from the hills almost to the banks of the stream. This leads to very picturesque views.
There are a number of waterfalls along the route, but only when water is flowing. When the water is flowing there are pools by the waterfalls that can be used for swimming.
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On reaching Route 99, the trail is initially along the side of the road but then parts from the road. After a short distance, you will cross Route 989. It is worthwhile continuing along the gravel path for a view of the waterfall and its canyon, even if there is no water. A bridge allows you to view the waterfall from the middle of the wadi and even to cross to the other side. If you continue along the gravel path, you will come to the parking area for the waterfall. There is an observation area here. There is also a path from the road to a pool when water is flowing. On the other side of the main road are some restaurants.
You will need to figure out how to get back to your starting point from the Nahal Saar Lookout at the end of the hike. You could turn around and hike back. Some people are fortunate to be in a party with two cars. Getting a taxi with Getz, hitch-hiking or paying someone local to take you back are also possibilities. The distance is not that far by car and many cars are going along Route 99 in the direction of Ein Qiniyye, but not necessarily along the road to the village. It’s a significant distance from Route 99 to where your car is parked.
Map of trail along Nahal Saar
To follow your location on your smart phone, click on https://israelhiking.osm.org.il/share/7cgvRzXfe6. Click on the black box with a cross at the top left of the map and it should change color to green. It is not necessary to download the free app unless you wish to.