March Travel Guide: Tavor Stream in the Galilee
Written by Susannah Schild
In the Lower Galilee region of Israel, the Tavor Stream Nature Reserve invites travelers to step into another world.
Most people think of deserts and camels when they think of nature in Israel. But at Tavor Nature Reserve, lush, verdant hills tower high above a deep valley. Within the valley, a bubbling stream snakes back and forth. Abundant wildflowers grow everywhere in the month of March, in shades of purple, yellow, white, and red.
This nature reserve is no desert. In fact, the Tavor Stream seems more like a place you would encounter in Scotland or Switzerland. Seasonal plant life and an ever-flowing river make Tavor Nature Reserve the perfect setting for a late winter hike.
Hiking the Trail
The trail at Tavor begins in a shady woodland, then takes hikers out to a panoramic view of the area. At the lookout, a wooden bench awaits, arranged at just the right angle to take in the scenery of rolling, green hills. This spot is a good place to stop for a morning cup of coffee. A gentle breeze blows, while birds create the perfect background music.
Next, the trail descends over rocks and tall grass, through fields of wildflowers. Perky pink cyclamen blossoms pop out of every rock crevice. Tall purple lupines, wild yellow mustard flowers, and red poppies welcome travelers down into the valley.
After a magical walk down the hill, the first water crossing appears: a stepping-stone path leading across the Tavor Stream.
Streamside
From here, this hike turns into a fun adventure. The trail leads along the Tavor Stream, crossing over stepping-stones and tree trunks from one side of the water to the next. Cloistered in the valley, this path feels far, far away from civilization.
After rambling along the stream for several kilometers, travelers will reach the beautiful Basalt Waterfall, a black rock gorge where the flowing river turns into crashing falls before continuing on its way. This is a great place to stretch out on a flat rock for a picnic lunch while taking in the scenery. On warmer days, the spot fills up with swimmers, cooling off in the pool beneath the falls.
From here, the path rambles back and forth over the stream below the hills, past masses of tall purple lupines and a few late blossoming almond trees. Then, the loop trail veers away from the stream, for a steep ascent through farmland back towards the trailhead.
The Battle at Tavor
The beauty at the Tavor Stream Nature Reserve is more than enough to entice visitors. But the area also has a fascinating history, written in the Tanach thousands of years ago.
During the time of the Shoftim (Judges), Devorah the Prophetess called the General Barak to gather the Israelite troops at Mount Tavor, to meet the enemy Canaanites in war. When the day of the great battle arrived, Sisera led his large army of troops towards the mountain. The Jews were hopelessly outnumbered and faced certain defeat. But according to the psukim (verses), God confounded Sisera and his army: “Vayahom.”
In other places in Tanach, this word indicates some sort of loud noise or storm. During Devorah and Barak’s battle, a great storm would have caused the stream at the foot of Mount Tavor to overflow, creating a muddy passageway for Sisera’s many battle chariots.
Indeed, the chariots got stuck, and the Canaanite army lost their cool. After this miracle, the Jews were easily able to defeat them. The Canaanite general, Sisera, fled by foot into the hands of Yael, who enticed him into her tent. She lulled him to sleep with food and wine, then killed him with a tent stake.
Mount Tavor
The Tavor Stream Loop Trail ends close to the foot of Mount Tavor, where the Jews defeated the Canaanites. Mount Tavor is worth visiting too: a 2-kilometer, easy loop trail encircles the summit of the mountain, taking hikers through a shady woodland filled with seasonal flowers. Stunning vistas await from every stopping point along the trail.
Mount Tavor is also an important site according to Christian tradition. For this reason, there are two monasteries at the top. When completing the circular loop trail, it’s not unusual to encounter nuns, monks, and religious devotees on the walk back to the trailhead.
Fact File
Go: Tavor Stream Nature Reserve and the Mount Tavor Loop Trail
Who: The Tavor Stream trail is good for hikers of all ages. Experienced hikers can hike the more difficult loop trail. Families with small children can drive down to the river and hike straight towards the Basalt Waterfall. This trail is not handicapped accessible, and it is not well suited for people who are unsteady on their feet.
The flat trail at Mount Tavor is suitable for all ages and skill levels. It’s especially good for families, but it is not stroller friendly or handicapped accessible.
What to Bring: Water, food, and a hat. On warmer days, water hiking shoes are helpful for the stream crossings. Hiking poles are useful for the uphills and downhills and can also help with tricky water crossings.
Where: Both trails are located in the Lower Galilee, about 30-40 minutes from Tiveria.
How Long:The full trail at the Tavor Stream is 6 kilometers and takes about 4 hours to complete. The short trail is less than 2 kilometers. The loop trail at Mount Tavor is about 2 kilometers and takes 1 hour to complete.
Cost: Both the Tavor Stream Nature Reserve and Mount Tavor Reserve are free entry. There are no facilities or bathrooms at the site.
How to Get There: Drive to the Mount Tavor Nature Reserve and Shmurat Teva Nakhal Tavor using Google Maps. The exact trailheads are a bit difficult to navigate. More details can be found here and here.
When: Both of these trails are at their absolute best during the month of March, but are open to hikers year-round.
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