Hurshat Tal for swimming and picnicking
Hurshat Tal is a very beautiful, popular park in the northern part of the Hula Valley close to Kiryat Shmona with green lawns even in the middle of summer and a large lake. The swimming in the lake is suitable for all ages. The lawns are expansive and have shaded picnic benches set among oak trees. The 240 Mount Tabor oaks are some of the largest in Israel and survived because the forest was regarded as a holy site by Muslims.
Two deep parts of the lake are sectioned off for adult swimming. There is a wading area for children. The water temperature is 12 degrees C (55 degrees F) all year round. There are lifeguards on duty when the park is open. Children can play in the shallow stream that comes off from the lake and which is a branch of the Dan River. The stream bed is a bit slippery without footwear. There are WCs in the park and a store that sells hot and cold drinks and other supplies. You are permitted to barbecue on the lawns. There is wheelchair accessibility from the parking lot. There are cabins and bungalows for rent.
VISITING THE PARK
Directions: Enter “Hurshat Tal National Park” into Waze.
Admission: The park is administered by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. There is an admission charge. There is reduced admission for Israel Nature and Parks Authority subscription holders, but it is not entirely free. Admission during the summer is from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm including Saturday, and Friday 8.00 am to 4.00 pm. The park closes an hour earlier during the winter. Their phone number is 04 694-2440. This is their website.
Public transport: Enter "Hurshat Tal National Park" into Moovit. There is a moderately frequent bus service between Dafna and Tel Hai that stops at HaGushim Intersection, an 800-meter/10-minute walk to the park.
