Snir Stream Nature Reserve | North of Israel

Land and river hike in the Snir Stream Nature Reserve

This is a fun, circular, family hike along the Snir Stream in the Hula Valley close to Kiryat Shmona. Most of the hike is easy, but some parts are slightly challenging, including a short section walking in the river and another climbing on rocks with the help of handholds.

The Jordan River has 3 mains sources. About half its flow comes from the Dan River, while the Snir and Banias (Hermon) Streams provide about a quarter each. The Snir starts in the Lebanon Valley in Lebanon, where it is known as the Hatsbani. Its river bed is 60 Km long, but is dry for much of this distance. The amount of water flowing depends on the season. These rivers join up at Sde Nehemia to form the Jordan River.

THE HIKE

Time: 1½ hours.

Distance: Just under 3½ Km.

Type of hike: Circular.

Difficulty: Most of the trail is on easy paths. However, there is one section walking through a shallow part of the stream. It is usually up to one’s ankles. You will need some suitable shoes for the water. If you are using different shoes for dry land and water, plastic bags are useful for when you take off your wet shoes. Walking sticks can be helpful for walking in the stream. There is a section of the hike that uses handholds in the rock, but they are primarily for balance rather than for climbing on.

Directions: Enter “Snir Stream” into Waze and click on “Snir Stream Nature Reserve.” This will bring you to the entrance to the park and then the parking lot.

Admission: This is a site of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Summer hours are Sunday to Thursday and Saturday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, and Friday and holiday eves 8.00 am to 4.00 pm. Winter closing is 1 hour earlier. Be sure to obtain a brochure with a map (also available in English). Their telephone number is 04 695-0064. This is their website.

Public transport: Enter "Snir Stream" into Moovit. There are moderately frequent buses from Kiryat Shmona with a bus stop 2.9-Km/36-minute walk to the reserve.

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THE HIKE

From the parking lot, take the paved path marked “To the trails”. This will take you past a store selling hot and cold drinks and supplies, and then restrooms. There is a wading pool here suitable for children that has a pretty waterfall. Nearby, is a shaded picnic area with picnic benches.

Follow the sign to the “Senir Stream". Turn left where you see a red arrow on a rock. You will soon come to the stream.

After passing the Travertine Waterfall, there is a section walking in water. There are small boulders in the stream and you will need to walk carefully. Once you have completed this section, there is no further walking in the stream. However, there is a section climbing on rocks. Handholds will help you keep your balance.

The path then separates from the stream. When you meet the stream again, the path turns towards a revolving gate. Turn left after passing through the gate in the direction of the sign that reads “Back to Senir Stream picnic area". This part of the hike passes by reeds and then orchards. It brings you to the park entrance and then to the parking lot and your car.

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.