Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Israel National Trail, Israel. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Israel
- Biome
- Mediterranean-desert mix (0–1,208 m)
- Best season
- October – May
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
Key takeaways
- Biome: Mediterranean-desert mix (0–1,208 m)
- Best season: October – May
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Israel National Trail
Topic summary
The 1,100-km north-south thru-hike from the Lebanese border to Eilat on the Red Sea.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: October – May
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Mediterranean-desert mix (0–1,208 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Israel National Trail trip tools
How to get there
Eilat on the Red Sea is the southern endpoint. Choose the intended section before arranging transport, and confirm the exact trail entry and exit locations; no specific transport links or driving times are given here.
- Eilat
The southern endpoint of the trail, at Israel’s southernmost tip on the Red Sea. A geographic starting or finishing point for a full crossing or a southern section hike.
- Jerusalem Hills
A region crossed by the trail and an option for planning a shorter section. Identify a specific entry and exit point before arranging access; this is a regional option, not a named trailhead.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Israel National Trail
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Israel National TrailAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Israel National Trail
Planning to fish Israel National Trail? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Israel are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Israel National Trail?
- A Israel fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Israel fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Israel yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Israel National Trail
Thinking about hunting Israel National Trail? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Israel are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Israel National Trail?
- Confirm the land around Israel National Trail is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Israel?
- A Israel hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Israel yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
A long-distance crossing of Israel
The Israel National Trail, also known as Shvil Yisrael, crosses Israel from its far north to Eilat on the Red Sea. At roughly 1,000–1,040 km, it is a substantial walking journey rather than a single wilderness excursion. The route passes through the Galilee, Carmel Range, Israeli Coastal Plain, Jerusalem Hills, Dead Sea region and Negev. Along the way, forests and desert landscapes sit within a wider journey through villages, towns, historic sites and modern cities. That mixture defines the experience: remote walking is only part of the trail, and contact with settled places is another. A full crossing generally takes around 40–60 days, while shorter sections offer a way to explore individual landscapes without committing to the entire route.
Choosing a season
The main hiking seasons are mid-February to mid-May and September to December. Summer, from mid-May through the end of August, is considered too hot for the journey. Winter brings a different set of concerns: rain, low temperatures and potential flash floods in the southern sections. These are important distinctions on a route that crosses both forested country and desert, rather than staying within one landscape. Choose dates around the sections being walked, and check weather conditions before setting out rather than treating a recommended season as a guarantee. For southern walking, flash-flood forecasts deserve particular attention. Carrying enough water and adjusting exertion to the heat are basic planning priorities, especially when the itinerary reaches the Negev and other desert terrain.
Wayfinding and trip style
The trail is marked with white, blue and orange stripes. Those markings provide a recognizable thread through a route that changes repeatedly between settled areas and remote country. Plan for the demands of sustained walking rather than assuming that proximity to towns makes the whole trail straightforward. A thru-hike means weeks of managing daily effort, weather exposure and equipment; a section hike allows a narrower commitment to a particular region. Neither approach requires treating the route solely as a wilderness trip. Its historic sites, biblical places, villages and modern urban settings are part of its character alongside forests and desert. Select a section for the landscape and walking experience wanted, then confirm the precise entry, exit and navigation arrangements before departure.
Route options
- Full Israel National TrailApproximately 1,000–1,040 kmDemanding long-distance hike
Walk the length of Israel to or from Eilat, linking the Galilee, Carmel Range, Israeli Coastal Plain, Jerusalem Hills, Dead Sea region and Negev. Allow roughly 40–60 days for the complete journey.
- Galilee or Carmel Range section
Choose a shorter portion of the trail through the Galilee or Carmel Range rather than attempting the full crossing. Set the section’s boundaries and access arrangements before travel.
- Negev section
Focus a shorter trip on the trail’s desert landscapes in the Negev. Heat is a central planning concern, and potential winter flash floods affect southern sections.
Sample itineraries
- Full-trail traverse to Eilat · 60 days
Allow 60 days for a north-to-south traverse ending at Eilat on the Red Sea. The roughly 1,000-kilometre route links the Galilee, Carmel Range, Israeli Coastal Plain, Jerusalem Hills, Dead Sea region and Negev. Expect towns and villages as well as remote wilderness.
- Jerusalem Hills section sampler · 1 day
For a shorter introduction, plan a day on a Jerusalem Hills section rather than attempting the full trail. Choose the specific start and finish after checking current access, navigation and transport; this is a flexible outing, not a fixed stage.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Mid-February to mid-May
One of the recommended hiking windows. Conditions vary across the northern hills, coastal plain and southern desert, so plan clothing and water for the section being walked.
Summer
Mid-May to the end of August
These months are considered too hot for hiking the trail. Avoid treating a long summer traverse as equivalent to a spring or fall trip, particularly across the desert sections.
Fall
September onward
The recommended second hiking window runs from September to December. Match each section to current conditions rather than assuming the entire route has the same weather.
Winter
Winter
Rain and low temperatures make winter less popular. Southern sections can experience flash floods, making forecasts and local safety advice especially important before entering desert terrain.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mid-February to mid-May | One of the recommended hiking windows. Conditions vary across the northern hills, coastal plain and southern desert, so plan clothing and water for the section being walked. |
| Summer | Mid-May to the end of August | These months are considered too hot for hiking the trail. Avoid treating a long summer traverse as equivalent to a spring or fall trip, particularly across the desert sections. |
| Fall | September onward | The recommended second hiking window runs from September to December. Match each section to current conditions rather than assuming the entire route has the same weather. |
| Winter | Winter | Rain and low temperatures make winter less popular. Southern sections can experience flash floods, making forecasts and local safety advice especially important before entering desert terrain. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit, access and overnight requirements with the managing agency for each section before departure.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Summer heat: mid-May through the end of August is considered too hot for hiking the trail.
- Potential flash floods in southern sections during winter require close attention to forecasts and local safety advice.
- Winter rain and low temperatures can make prolonged exposure uncomfortable or dangerous without suitable clothing.
- Remote wilderness and desert sections demand careful water, navigation and exit planning between populated areas.
What to pack for Israel National Trail
- Current route map and offline navigation
- Backup power for navigation devices
- Section-specific access and transport plan
- Water-carrying capacity matched to verified supply points
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Sun-protective clothing
- Rain protection
- Warm layers for low temperatures
- Comfortable hiking footwear
- Foot-care and first-aid supplies
Israel National Trail FAQ
- How long does a full traverse take?
- Plan around 45–60 days for the roughly 1,000-kilometre trail. Daily progress depends on terrain, weather, resupply needs and rest days.
- When is the best time to hike?
- The recommended windows are mid-February to mid-May and September to December. Summer is considered too hot; winter brings rain, low temperatures and potential flash floods in southern sections.
- How is the trail marked?
- Trail markings use three stripes: white, blue and orange. Carry navigation tools as well as following the painted markers.
- Can the trail be walked in shorter sections?
- Yes. A full traverse is not necessary. Choose a section suited to available time, then verify its access, water arrangements and transport before setting out.
- What landscapes does the route cross?
- The trail crosses the Galilee, Carmel Range, Israeli Coastal Plain, Jerusalem Hills, Dead Sea region and Negev before reaching Eilat. It connects forests, desert landscapes, historic sites, villages, towns and remote wilderness.
- Is the whole route remote?
- No. The trail passes through populated places as well as remote wilderness. Plan each section separately rather than assuming regular services or easy exits throughout.