September Travel Guide: Sataf

All About Sataf

Sataf Forest takes its name from an old village located at its center. This village, built just above the springs, has been inhabited on and off during the last 6000 years, dating back to the Chalcolithic period.

Sataf (the village) was at its greatest splendor during the Second Temple and Byzantine eras. From then on, it was sporadically inhabited, finally as an Arab village until its residents fled during the War of Independence.

What has remained the same at Sataf for the last several thousand years is the unique agricultural methodology built into the side of the mountain. Throughout the centuries, locals used terraces to farm their many crops, including olive trees, grapes, and more. These terraces enabled water to flow from one plot of land to the next without extensive irrigation.

In 1949, Moshav Bikura was established at Sataf. Unfortunately, the settlement didn’t last long. Crumbling infrastructure and landslides forced the residents to leave soon after. It wasn’t until the 1980s, when KKL (Jewish National Fund) rehabilitated the entire site, that Sataf became the beautifully restored Biblical landscape that it is today.

Now, a walk at Sataf leads hikers down twisty pathways lined with olive and carob trees. Visitors will enjoy the beautiful views out to the surrounding mountains, along with a stop at the carefully restored freshwater springs.

Hiking the Trail

One moderate loop hike at Sataf begins at the Upper Sataf parking lot. From here, the path heads down a paved path towards a set of stone steps. Walking down the steps, one can begin to get a sense of the beauty that’s in store – gorgeous mountain views are just visible past the trees.

Here, the hike continues on a pathway known as Shvil HaBa’al. This winding trail leads past quintessential Jerusalem area shrubbery, full of wildflowers in the winter and spring, towards varying groves of trees. Soon, hikers will find themselves in the middle of a thick forest, with blue-tinged mountains just peeking through the trees. 

Next, the hike continues through a grove of carob trees, then past picturesque gnarly olive trees, full of ripening fruit in the autumn months. Eventually, the trail reaches an ancient olive press or gat (in Hebrew). This stone structure was used for turning the bounteous olive crop into rich oil for the village’s local residents.

Sataf Springs

The best spot to stop for a picnic is just before Sataf Springs, where oversized olive trees combine with large oaks to provide a large, shady patch of flat ground. This area tends to be quieter than the spring pools, making it an ideal place to contemplate the beauty of nature all around.

After stopping here, Sataf Springs are only a short walk away. Here, visitors love to explore an old aqueduct tunnel filled with shallow spring water. The darkness of the tunnel provides a welcome escape from the Mediterranean heat.

The last part of the trail is the most challenging: it heads uphill back to the parking lot. Here, many hikers take it slow, stopping along the way in patches of shade to catch a breath and take in the glorious views.

Planning Your Visit: All the trails at the Sataf Forest are free entry. There are bathrooms at the beginning of the trailhead at the Upper Sataf parking lot. There is also a small store located at the end of the trail where visitors can purchase ice cream or other refreshments.

How to Get There: Drive to the Upper Sataf parking lot or take bus 183 from the Central Bus Station. 

 How to Hike it: Follow the green marked trail past the bathrooms and down the steps. Then, make a right onto the blue trail. The blue trail leads to Sataf Springs.  Follow the green trail from here back to the trailhead.

When: This hike is beautiful all year round. During the month of September, olives begin to ripen on the trees along the trail.

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