We will start the hiking trail at the bottom of the farm into the dense forest, an oak forest like no other in the country. The serious advantage of this trail is the abundant shade. You can also go in the summer.
The signage to the stream is relatively good, follow the yellow markings.
You reach the connection with the black trail and descend with Nahal Avirim or by its Arabic name Tariq al-Mithana – the road to the flour mills. The trail is relatively steep and ends at Nahal Kziv where you can wade in the cool water that always flows there.
The channel of Nahal Kziv begins at Mount Meron east of Beit Jann with several tributaries that drain the Mount Meron summit area and the village of Beit Jann, and ends at the Mediterranean Sea north of the village of Achziv. The river channel passes near the settlements of Hurfeish, Alkosh, Abirim, Me’ilia, Mitzpe Hila, Neve Ziv, Goren, Goranot HaGalil, Manot, and the city of Ma’alot Tarshiha. The area around the stream is a nature reserve where the Monpur fortress and other Crusader buildings are located. Along the channel, there are several springs including Ein Ziv, Ein Tamir, and Ein Hardalit.
The part of the stream east of Ein Ziv up to Gesher Alkosh (crossing point of the stream by Highway 89) is a closed nature reserve and does not have a marked hiking trail.
Mixed vegetation grows on the banks of the stream and within it: a Mediterranean forest that also includes catalbe trees, stream vegetation such as holy and haunted raspberries, impressive dolav trees, and ferns. On the Crusader fort and on the banks of the stream and its slopes there are bushes of anna bush (“Shiba”), which was probably brought there hundreds of years ago as a medicinal plant by the Crusaders.
In a special project of the Nature Reserves Authority, the Persian ibex was reintroduced to the Nahal Kziv Reserve, after the disappearance of this species from the Land of Israel. Today, there is an impressive population of wildebeests in the reserve, and for those who want to get up, there is a chance to see them coming down to drink from the stream.
The channel is mostly shaded and very pleasant for walking.
The way back is the same way – take a long breath, remember the cool temperature of the water all the way, and slowly climb back.
When you get back, you can enjoy a visit or a workshop at Walied Khoury’s blacksmith studio.
Walied is a resident of Fassuta village who at age 40 developed an interest in iron. After finishing a short course on the subject, he began working iron and, not long after, won first place in a metal sculpting contest in England. Since then, he has received several awards in England and Italy, where his works are on display in different museums. At Walied’s gallery in Fassuta you can hear his story, see a variety of ironworks and furniture he makes and also watch a demonstration of his blacksmithing skills.
Hungry? Coordinate in advance with Aviva Khoury, also in Fassuta. for an authentic and fine meal.
Aviva Khoury, is a native of the Christian village of Fassuta and in her warm home, you can stay, hear her personal story, and most importantly – enjoy fresh, authentic, and loving food. Aviva hosts couples, families, and groups for traditional Christian food at her home.
Cooking workshops can also be booked.
We hope you had fun!
Western Galilee Now is a registered non-profit grassroots organization (NGO) promoting awareness and appreciation for the region’s boutique wines, beers, food and produce, along with its cultural diversity, its historic traditions and the area’s scenic routes nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea acting as a Chamber of Commerce to boutique tourism operators in the region.
We expose the visitors to the unique heritage and hospitality through workshops, culinary events, art, music, guides tours, festivals and also through our Tourist Information Center in Akko, owned by JNF USA which we were chosen to operate since Jan. 2016.
Our vision is to develop local and foreign tourism based on close cooperation between all the interested parties in the region.
Come and Taste Experience Discover – the Westen Galilee is NOW!
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