"Arbel National Park and Reserve" Arbel by gubbi1

The Arbel National Park was one of the few places that I haven't heard of or gathered any information of before coming there. But it turned out to be a very special place with a great nature and a very special ancient site compared to the places that I have seen before here in Israel.

In the park you will find two mountains, Mount Arbel in the south and Mount Nitay in the north. Inbetween the Arbel Stream has found its way towards the lake Kinneret. The two mountains have very steep cliffs towards eachother which developed as a result of the Syrian-African rift. When standing there on top of the cliff looking down you can imagine the force of nature. Access for visitors is limited to the side of Arbel mountain to protect the nature on Mount Nitay.

Ruins of Mount Arbel, Arbel NP, IL

Places of interest in the park and reserve:

... Visitor Center:
It provides you with information about the reserve and you can fill up your water reserves, which is very important as even in November it was very hot and people do not notice when starting to dehydrate. Recommendation is to carry at least one liter of water for the 3 km round tour.

... Carob Lookout:
From the Carob Lookout which is shortly after the Visitor Center you will have a great view over Lake Kinneret, the Golan and the eastern part of upper and lower Galilee.

... Descent down to the foot of the cliff:
Following the trail from the Visitor Center via the Carob Lookout you will have an easier descent as if you would take the red trail the other way round. Anyway the trail is pretty steep and you will need to use the preinstalled iron steps!

... Fortress:
The fortress and the adjacent caves are built in three floors connected by stairs. You can access all and it is really fascinating. Keep an eye on the other side of the valley where you can see more caves.

... Ascent back to top of Mount Arbel:
This part is quite demanding as you will have to climb more or less over rocks and iron bars a height of roughly 10 meters up. I did not expect this and was quite surprised, but at the end it was OK for me. Just don't look down. I assume that the trail variant via the Arbel stream (green trail) is easier to walk.

... Ruins of Synagogue:
If you did not take the green trail up back to Mount Arbel, then you did not pass by the synagogue. You can do this when leaving the park. There is a parking closeby from where the green trail officially starts. Just follow the trail and you will arrive at the synagogues ruins.

• Pros:Fantastic scenery with cultural sites