Jerusalem is a hill city with forests and spring-fed valleys on three sides. Here are the walks locals do on a Friday morning, by season and by how much effort you want.
The best thing about living in Jerusalem is that the hills start where the city stops. Within twenty minutes of most neighbourhoods there are spring-fed terraces, pine forest, a Roman-era valley and a promenade with the whole city laid out below. Almost all of it is free, most of it works with children, and the season decides everything: the valleys are green and running from December to April and brutal in August.
Two standing rules before any of these. Check access and conditions on the day, because trails close for fires in summer, for flooding in winter and occasionally for security; the Nature and Parks Authority, the KKL forest pages and the Home Front Command app between them cover it (see the safety guide). And carry more water than you think, from May to October at least three litres per adult for a half day.
Easy and close: an hour or two
The Train Track Park (HaMesila)
The old Ottoman railway line from the First Station through the German Colony and Baka down to Malha, paved, flat, shaded in parts, and full of families, runners and bikes from six in the morning. Not a hike, but it is how most residents get their walk, and it connects to the Refaim valley at the southern end.
Emek HaArazim (the Valley of the Cedars)
The wide green valley below Ramot and Har Adar in the city's north-west: flat gravel paths, a stream in winter, picnic tables and space for children to run. The classic Friday-morning family walk, and the easiest place to see almonds in bloom in February.
The Jerusalem Forest and Yad Vashem
Pine forest on the western edge, threaded with marked paths between Ein Kerem, Yad Vashem and Givat Shaul. Shade in summer, mushrooms after winter rain, and a network you can make as short or long as you like. Start from the Ein Kerem side for the prettiest section.
Springs and terraces: half a day
Sataf
The landmark walk. Ancient agricultural terraces above the Sorek valley, restored and planted, with two spring tunnels you can wade into and a loop of an hour or three depending on which path you take. Go early on a Friday, wear shoes that can get wet, and bring a torch for the tunnels. Parking fills by nine; there is a fee at the main car park.
Ein Lavan (the White Spring)
A short, steep descent from the Ein Kerem side into a valley with a small pool that children swim in all summer. Twenty minutes down, a lot longer back up with a tired four-year-old, and busy at weekends. The pool is spring-fed and cold.
Nachal Katlav
A proper walk in the Sorek valley west of the city, on the ridge and down through terebinth and oak, with the old railway line at the bottom and views the whole way. Two to four hours depending on the loop, and better in spring and autumn than in high summer.
Ein Prat (Nachal Prat)
The most beautiful of them all and the one that needs the most planning: a running stream in a desert canyon east of the city with pools deep enough to swim, monasteries in the cliffs, and a nature-reserve entrance with a fee and limited parking. Check the reserve's opening and whether entry needs booking, and check current guidance for travel east of the city before you set out.
Views without the effort
- The Haas Promenade (Tayelet) in Armon HaNatziv: the classic view of the Old City, paved, pram-friendly, and the best sunset picnic in Jerusalem.
- Mount Scopus and the Hebrew University's botanical terraces, looking east to the desert and the Dead Sea on a clear day.
- Ammunition Hill and the ridge walk north of the centre, short and historical.
- Gazelle Valley in the south-west: a genuine urban nature reserve with a herd of gazelles, boardwalks and a bird hide, inside the city and free.
Seasons
- December to March: everything is green, the springs run, the light is extraordinary and the mud is real. Cold at altitude; see the winter guide.
- Late January to March: almond and then anemone season; the valleys fill with families on Fridays.
- April and May: the best hiking weather of the year, and the busiest.
- June to September: walk before eight in the morning or not at all, stay near water, and watch for fire closures.
- October and November: warm days, empty trails, dry streams.
Practical
- Getting there: Emek HaArazim, Ein Kerem, Gazelle Valley and the Tayelet are reachable by bus; Sataf, Katlav and Ein Prat effectively need a car or a lift. The transport guide covers the buses.
- Friday is hiking day in Israel, so trails are busy in the morning and empty by two, when everyone goes home for Shabbat. Check candle lighting before planning a late walk.
- Shoes with grip: Jerusalem limestone is polished and slippery, wet or dry.
- Ticks and thistles in spring; long trousers for children in the undergrowth.
- Swimming in spring pools is normal and unsupervised; check depth, and note that some pools have separate men's and women's hours by local custom.
Hebrew you will meet
- masul / masloolim — trail(s)
- ma'ayan — spring
- nachal — stream or valley
- ya'ar — forest
- tiyul — an outing or hike
- shmurat teva — nature reserve
More everyday words are in our Hebrew vocabulary guide.
Common questions
What are the best hikes near Jerusalem?
Sataf for terraces and spring tunnels, Ein Lavan for a short walk to a swimming pool, Nachal Katlav for a proper half-day, Emek HaArazim and the Jerusalem Forest for easy family walks, and Ein Prat for a desert stream if you can plan the trip.
Can I hike near Jerusalem with small children?
Yes: Emek HaArazim, the Train Track Park, Gazelle Valley and the Jerusalem Forest are flat or gentle, with shade and picnic spots. Ein Lavan is short but steep on the way back.
When is hiking season in Jerusalem?
December to May, with February and March the peak for green valleys and flowers. From June to September walk at dawn or stay by water, and check fire closures.
Do I need a car?
For Sataf, Nachal Katlav and Ein Prat, effectively yes. Emek HaArazim, Ein Kerem, Gazelle Valley, the forest and the promenade are all reachable by bus.
A trail closed, or one we should add? Tell us and we will fix it.
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