Picturesque Nahal Saar

On this picturesque one-way family hike along Nahal Sa’ar you will see a number of small waterfalls, and at the end of the hike an impressive waterfall, Saar Falls. Although water flows in the stream only from the winter until May, there are beautiful views of the surrounding countryside all year round. You will need to plan how to get back to your car from the end of the hike.

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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:

The green trail passes along the bank of the ravine. 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, and which lead to very picturesque views.

There are a number of seasonal waterfalls along the route, in which case there are pools by the waterfalls in which one can swim.

On reaching Route 99, the trail initially continues along the side of the road but then parts from the road. After a short distance, you 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 Saar Falls from the middle of the wadi, and even to cross to its far side. If you continue along the gravel path, you will come to the parking area for the waterfall. There is also an observation area here and 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.

Links to the HOME PAGE and best family activities, hikes and historic sites in the GOLAN, EASTERN GALILEE, UPPER GALILEE, LOWER GALILEE, JORDAN VALLEY & LAKE KINNERET, the SHEFELAH, TEL AVIV-YAFFO and surroundings, NORTH of TEL AVIV, and SOUTH of TEL AVIV.