Ein Aravot Spring: Swimming Spot in Northern Israel

After an exhausting day leading a hiking guide course through the challenging Nahal Kadesh route, Nevi Yosha, and Alma Cave, Israel Shapira arrived at Ein Aravot for a refreshing dip. His legs were barely functioning after the long trek.

The water, he reports, was wonderful.

But Ein Aravot isn't a traditional natural spring bubbling up from underground. Instead, water flows from a large black pipe, surplus water that Israel's national water company, Mekorot, releases into the Nahal Dishon streambed as part of a nationwide program to restore spring water to natural habitats.

The result is a small, shallow pool, pleasantly cool beneath the shade of willow trees that give the site its name (aravot means willows in Hebrew), alongside raspberry bushes.

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The spring that dried up and was refilled with tap water for vacationing hikers

The renovated "Einot Yehuda": three pools waiting for you near your car"

Trei Ein Caslon Havu" - Israel Shapira went to immerse in both and this is what he discovered

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Nahal Dishon itself is the largest of the Upper Galilee streams, stretching approximately 31 kilometers from Mount Meron to the Jordan River. It was once a perennial stream, flowing year-round, but today most of its water is pumped out. Ein Aravot is one of the few remaining points where living water can still be found in the streambed even during summer months.

A short distance away stands the tomb of the prophet Isaiah, a site Shapira promises to cover in detail on another occasion.

Directions: Enter "Ein Aravot" into Waze navigation.

Shapira notes that this spring will be included in his next book in the "Rare Places" series.

Please note:

This article does not constitute a recommendation to undertake the described hiking route. The content describes the writer's personal experience and does not represent an endorsement of the route's safety. Anyone visiting the location or following the route does so at their own risk.

In areas of Judea and Samaria outside settlements, prior coordination with the military is required, and hikers are responsible for determining the security risk level in areas they wish to visit. It is preferable and obligatory to hike in large groups with armed protection.

As always, we recommend that readers follow all posted signage from authorities and adhere to safety instructions and legal requirements. Before any outdoor excursion, check weather conditions and consult with relevant authorities. Nature reserves require advance coordination through the Nature and Parks Authority website.

For inquiries about water access and related matters:

Nature and Parks Authority Information Center - 3639*

Nature Hike Coordination Center - 02-6247955

Forest Hotline - 1-800-350-550