July Travel Guide: Beyond Banias
Written by Susannah Schild
The Banias. For many, just hearing this name evokes images of a magnificent, rushing waterfall. The breadth and force of the Banias Falls makes it the largest and most impressive of its kind in Israel.
But the Banias is more than just one incredible waterfall. Located in the northern part of the Golan Heights, the Banias, otherwise known as the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve, is one of Israel’s most sought-after national parks. This beautiful wild area is full of sights and sounds that will please any outdoor enthusiast.
Past the parking lot packed with tour buses, the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve is a picture of lush, natural beauty. A raging stream courses through the park, creating a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. Wildflowers blossom, nurtured by the freshwater stream. From the waterfall viewing platform, the sheer force of the falls’ cooling spray beckons summer visitors closer.
There are several worthwhile hiking trails at the nature reserve for those who would like to step away from the crowds. The path from Banias Falls to Banias Springs takes travelers into a quiet world of beauty, past historical structures and ancient artifacts, deep into nature.
Hiking the Trail
The trail to Banias Springs begins at the main Hermon Stream Nature Reserve Visitors’ Center. After obtaining a map from a park ranger, hikers can follow the sunny path down into the shade. A short walk on the suspended bridge trail gives hikers a bird’s-eye view of the Hermon Stream. This is where the noise of rushing water begins to take over.
Rather than heading straight onto the trail towards Banias Springs, it’s worthwhile to stop and experience the magnificence of the Banias Falls. From the viewing platform, a gentle mist fills the air where the waterfall pours down into the stream below.
Next, the road less traveled continues further into the reserve towards Banias Springs. This gorgeous trail lies under a thick canopy of shade. Along the way, the frigid Hermon Stream accompanies the path, cooling the air even on the hottest days.
History and Nature Together
After passing multiple pools and lots of beautiful scenery, a new type of beauty appears on the trail: a picturesque flour mill and fountains that are a few hundred years old. With these old structures, people of a bygone era created mechanisms to harness the power of the Hermon Stream, using the force of the water to grind flour for nearby villages. This is the only flour mill of its type in Israel that is still operational.
But the Ottoman-era Arabs weren’t the only ones who recognized the power and beauty of the Hermon Stream. Past the flour mill, the trail continues over an ancient Roman bridge. During Roman times, King Herod and his son built a city at Banias, complete with a temple, bathhouses, and a fortress.
Once the hiking path crosses over the bridge, it is a short walk further to Banias Springs. Over the years, these springs were used for ritual and bathing purposes. Nowadays, the pools are more beautiful than useful: around the springs, there are different historical artifacts, creating a picture-perfect spot to relax in the sunshine.
There is a second parking lot at the Banias Springs, along with a fully-stocked visitors’ center. This is where the hiking trail ends.
Why Banias?
In Hebrew, the name of the nature reserve is Reshut HaTeva Nahal Hermon or the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve. The name Banias originated in ancient Greek.
In the 2nd century, the Greeks built a temple at Banias, dedicated to the half man-half goat god called Pan. Pan was thought to rule over rural areas, shepherds, and flocks, residing in caves where he performed religious rituals. The name Banias comes from the Arabic pronunciation of “Pan”-ias.
The Greeks left behind their temple, but the name stuck. Now, Banias is home to a beautiful and varied natural world. All sorts of animals call the reserve home, from tiny Hermon field mice to common otters and foxes. Rare flowers and water plants grow along the stream, some exclusive to the Hermon region.
The Banias River (Hermon Stream) originates at the foot of Mount Hermon, where accumulated snowmelt breaks forth from underground into a freshwater spring. The Hermon Stream is one of the Jordan River’s main tributaries. Most of the water in the Jordan River comes from the Hermon Stream, with just a few additional streams contributing to the total waterflow.
Fact File
Go: The Banias Springs Trail at the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve
Who: The Hermon Stream Nature Reserve features trails for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Experienced hikers can extend the hike past the springs all the way to Nimrod’s Fortress, or hike out to the springs and then back the way they came. Families with children can park a car at each side of the trail and hike from Banias Falls to Banias Springs. This trail is not handicapped accessible.
What to Bring: A small hiking backpack, water, food, sunscreen, and a hat. Wear good walking shoes. As entrance into the water is not permitted in the reserve, no swimwear is necessary.
Where: The trail is located in the Golan Heights. Put Banias into Waze to navigate to the main entrance.
How Long: The trail to Banias Springs is about 4 kilometers long, one-way. It takes about 2 hours to hike it.
Planning Your Visit: The entrance fee to the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve is 28 NIS per adult and 14 NIS per child. Since it’s a national park, you’ll need to reserve your spot online at the Parks website before you go. There are bathrooms, maps, and a small store at the entrance and at the exit near Banias Springs.
When: This hike is beautiful at any time of year, but it is especially refreshing in the summertime, when the snowmelt stream cools the temperature of the air along the trail.
Pro-tip: Entrance into the water is forbidden in the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve. To go swimming in the cool waters of the Banias River, visit Lower Hermon Stream nearby. Directions can be found here.
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