May Travel Guide: Ein Prat Nature Reserve
Written by Susannah Schild
Tucked away in the desert between Jerusalem and Jericho, the Ein Prat Nature Reserve is an oasis of beauty and history.
Anyone looking at the terrain around this large national park would assume there’s nothing here but desert. Lifeless dunes and blistering heat are the main features of this geographical location in Judea. Driving down the highway towards Ein Prat, it’s typical to see rows of palm trees and groups of dusty camels.
But off the highway past the small town of Almon-Anatot lies a world of wild, wet beauty: The Ein Prat Nature Reserve is anything but dry and dusty. Instead, freshwater springs and bubbling pools abound, flowing out into a snaking stream that attracts rich wildlife. The sounds of birds and amphibians can be heard between the thick reeds and overhanging fig branches. Fish swim through the pools between the smooth river rocks. It’s a green and flower-filled paradise in the desert.
Not only that, but Ein Prat has a rich history, one that dates to the First Temple period. Between the vast beauty and fascinating backstory, the Ein Prat Nature Reserve is the perfect place for a springtime hike.
Hiking the Trail
The trail at Ein Prat begins in a grove of shady trees, with a small stream flowing through. There are picnic tables and benches between the rocks, making this spot a favorite gathering place for families looking for a cool day out in the shade.
Just past the main area to the left, the blue trail takes hikers along a dusty path towards the source of the stream at Prat Spring. Here, water rushes out into a large pool. Travelers can follow the path and walk through the stream to find their own hidden spot amongst the bushes and trees, next to a cool pool of water filled with miniature fish. This is the perfect place to relax and cool off.
There is also a monastery just above the Prat Spring, called the Faran Monastery. This ancient building houses the tomb of the famous 4th century monk Haritoun, who traveled from Prat to Tekoa to Jerusalem in search of solitude and spirituality. One can visit the monastery by making arrangements in advance.
The Long Trail
Travelers who are looking for a longer adventure can follow the red trail to the blue trail in the opposite direction, away from the picnic area heading east. This trail leads through a white rock canyon, past multiple pools and springs. There are quiet spots where one can take a dip in the shade, and there are also more popular springs. One favorite is the Shaharit Spring, where hikers line up to jump from a rocky crevice into the deep blue waters a few meters below.
The trail continues past jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery, especially in springtime when the desert dunes are covered in a layer of a green. Plentiful wildflowers grow along the trail at this season, along with wild mint and green almonds.
One can hike along this streamside trail for over 20 kilometers, but most travelers choose to end the day at Ein Maboa (Maboa Spring), where they can exit the park and get a taxi back to the trailhead.
The History of the Prat Stream
The Prat Stream has a fascinating history. Throughout the ages, monks and religious figures were drawn to the area, in search of silence and solitude that only a desert oasis can provide. One such religious figure was Jeremiah the prophet, who lived in the town of Anatot just above the Prat Stream.
Jeremiah’s first prophecy from God was inspired by the sights he saw at the Prat Stream. In his first vision, God showed Jeremiah a rod of wood and asked him to identify it. Jeremiah, who was familiar with the trees that grew around his backyard stream, correctly answered that it was the wood of an almond tree.
Later on, God instructed Jeremiah to go down to the Prat Stream and hide a linen belt under a rock in the stream. A little while later, Jeremiah was told to return to the spot and uncover the piece of linen. The rushing water had turned the belt into a threadbare rag, a piece of disintegrated nothingness. The message for the Jewish people was as follows: Just as the nation was once worn as God’s garment of splendor, they had now become disintegrated in sin, like the piece of linen in the waters of Ein Prat.
Years later, during the Second Temple period, the Maccabees hid at the Prat Stream. The rocks and caves along with plentiful fresh water and fruits made the stream the perfect place to hide out during a battle.
Fact File
Go: Ein Prat Nature Reserve
Who: The trails at the Ein Prat Nature Reserve are good for hikers of all ages. Experienced hikers can take the lengthy trail from Ein Prat to Ein Maboa. Families with small children can hike from the picnic area out to the Prat Spring. The trail is not handicapped accessible, and it is not well suited for people who are unsteady on their feet. Less mobile members of the group can enjoy a relaxing morning in the shade near the water at the main picnic area.
What to Bring: A small hiking backpack, water, food, sunscreen, and a hat. On warmer days, water hiking shoes and a bathing suit are a must! Hiking poles are useful for the longer trail.
Where: The trail is located in the Judean Desert, about 30 minutes from Jerusalem.
How Long: The trail from Ein Prat to Ein Maboa is 7 kilometers and takes about 5 – 6 hours to complete. The short trail to the Prat Spring is less than 1 kilometer. Hikers can enjoy the sights and the pools on this short trail for hours.
Cost: The entrance fee to the Ein Prat Nature Reserve is 29 NIS per adult and 15 NIS per child. There are bathrooms, maps, and a small store at the entrance.
How to Get There: Drive to the Ein Prat Nature Reserve using Google Maps or Waze. The reserve is located Northeast of Jerusalem, off Highway 437.
When: This trail is gorgeous on warm days in the springtime, but thanks to plentiful shade and cool water, it can be enjoyed at any time of year.
Planning: Make sure to check for closures and to reserve online at the National Parks website before you go. Reserve online by clicking here. To arrange a visit to the monastery, call 052-5399075.
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