Hiking Israel's National Trail: Part II - Lower Galilee and Judean Lowlands Adventure
Read about the first part of this epic trek on the Shvil Israel (Israel National Trail) here.
Part II: The Lower Galilee
On the third day of our hike, the scenery shifted dramatically from the vast, ochre expanses of the Negev Desert. We entered the verdant Judean Lowlands, where rolling green hills, aromatic pine forests, and chirping birds replaced the barren silence.
We ascended Tel Azekah, offering panoramic views of the Jerusalem Mountains and the Valley of Elah—the biblical site of David and Goliath's battle. The tel features ancient burial caves and tunnels from the Bar Kokhba Revolt.
After a brief overview of the area's history, we paused our trail for a visit to Jerusalem, Israel's capital and one of the world's holiest cities. I'll cover Jerusalem in a dedicated article, as it merits its own exploration.
Resuming the Shvil Israel in northern Israel's Lower Galilee, we climbed majestic Mount Tabor, the biblical Mount of Transfiguration. This solitary peak rises dramatically from the surrounding plains, crowned by the Franciscan Church of the Transfiguration.
Gazing at the lush fields below, it was hard to believe we'd crossed the desert just days earlier. Israel's compact size—8,522 square miles, smaller than Maine or one-sixteenth of Germany—belies its extraordinary landscape diversity, unmatched in any comparable nation.
The full 620-mile (1,000 km) Israel National Trail (INT) is a serious commitment but doable solo with proper planning. The Negev section, the trail's most remote and stunning part, demands water caches or supply drops due to scarce settlements and water sources. (See preparation tips below.)
Our final major ascent was Mount Arbel, home to ancient cliff dwellings once occupied by Druze settlers 300 years ago. These caves evoke those in New Mexico, highlighting surprising parallels in settler life across continents.
At the summit, breathtaking vistas unfolded over the Sea of Galilee—site of Jesus' miracles like walking on water. We savored coffee (a hike essential in Israel) on 1,250-ft (380 m) cliffs, overlooking Arab villages, date palms, avocado groves, and the distant Golan Heights extending into Syria. Israel's natural variety continually astonishes.
Israel's landscapes mirror its cultural mosaic: Arab and Jewish communities, Christians, Bahá'í, and Druze coexist along the trail. In the Lower Galilee, a Druze family hosted us for an unforgettable dinner, sharing insights into their faith, traditions, and history. Trail encounters enrich the INT beyond scenery.
What sets the Israel National Trail apart from other long-distance hikes is its blend of biblical history, diverse terrain, urban glimpses, authentic Israeli life, and multicultural interactions—an unparalleled adventure.
We concluded at the Jordan River, Jesus' baptism site, with cold beers, a refreshing swim, and a free fish pedicure from nibbling minnows—bliss after shedding our boots.
Relieved yet craving more, this segment whetted my appetite for the full INT—a perfect Israel introduction.
Practical Guide: Hiking the Israel National Trail
Shvil Israel Guidebooks
The comprehensive English guidebook Israel National Trail and the Jerusalem Trail (Hike the Land of Israel) includes topo maps, packing lists, camping spots, water cache info, supply contacts, historical notes, daily itineraries, and Trail Angels. Order on Amazon or at Steimatzky in Ben Gurion Airport (post-baggage claim).
Judith Galblum Pex's Walk the Land: A Journey on Foot through Israel details her thru-hike. Available on Amazon.
Physical Preparation
Build endurance with progressive long walks. Test your full pack (including 5L daily water) on practice hikes to lighten if needed. Experienced hikers in good shape require minimal prep.
How Long to Hike the Full Trail?
6-8 weeks end-to-end.
Packing for the Shvil Trail
The Israel National Trail Forum offers gear advice. Bex (Ordinary Adventurer) shares her packing list here.
Best Time to Hike
Avoid summer heat (60% desert). Ideal: September-November or late February-May. Winters chill the north.
North to South or South to North?
North to south recommended—see Wikitravel's reasons.
Trail Angels
English lists on INT Wiki by region; ~150 angels provide showers, beds, meals, water. Low-cost lodging available. Call ahead. Get a data SIM for navigation (signal spotty). See prepaid SIM guide here.
More Resources
INT Forum for queries; IsraelTrail.net Resources page. Julian Bender's diary; Diana Barshaw's segmented hikes with tips. Join Walk About Love annual group hike (81 days Eilat to Dan; min. 12 days).
Red line shows the full route.
