Parks & nature

Nahal Katlav

נחל קטלב

Nes Harim (Jerusalem hills)

A wooded valley in the Judean hills near Nes Harim, inside the Nahal Sorek nature reserve. Its scenic trail — about 2 km, formerly the Schuster Trail — is one of the shadiest and most manageable real hikes near Jerusalem for young children; the longer loop past the Dir a-Shekh ruins is steeper and rockier.

4.6 Google rating · 519 reviews · as of Sept 2026

Directions

Address: Nahal Katlav, American Independence Park, Nes Harim נחל קטלב, פארק העצמאות האמריקאי, נס הרים
Hours: Open at all hours
Price: free
Last checked: 2026-09

Call ahead to confirm hours.

Plan your visit

Tickets

Adult Free Child Free

Free; no booking or entrance fee.

Parking

Trailhead parking beside the forest café near Nes Harim; it fills on Fridays and Saturdays, when the trail is popular with families.

How long to allowAbout 2 hours AgesThe short scenic trail is one of the best options near Jerusalem for children of about four and up; the Dir a-Shekh loop is steep and narrow and suits older children. Indoor or outdoorOutdoor On Shabbat and chagimOpen Best time to goWinter and spring for wildflowers and green hillsides; the unusual amount of shade makes it workable in early summer too. AccessibilityA natural dirt trail with rocky and narrow sections; not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.

Insider tips

Take the scenic trail (Shvil Nofi Nahal Katlav), not the full Dir a-Shekh loop, if you have small children.
About 20 minutes from Jerusalem and roughly 15 from Beit Shemesh or Gush Etzion.
It is unusually shady for the Jerusalem hills, which matters in late spring.
Weekends are busy — a weekday morning is much quieter.
Carry water; there are no taps on the trail.

On the map

Approximate location (street)

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