Overview
The Meshushim Pool and Trails is part of the Yehudiya Nature Reserve and has five hiking trails in the Meshushim stream area. The Lookout Trail is a family friendly, wheelchair and stroller accessible path leading to an observation point to view the reserve, the streams, Mt. Hermon and the Golan volcanic peaks. Another easy trail is The Dolmen Trail which takes you to the dolmens (ancient burial stones from 2900-1570 BCE) and a view of the reserve.
Fit hikers will enjoy the Pool Trail that descends down to a canyon and the Meshushim pool named after the unusual hexagonal basalt pillars created by cooling lava. A gentle waterfall feeds the 20 x 30 meter pool in which swimming is allowed, but proceed with caution as the water is very cold and there is no lifeguard on duty.
Another way to reach the Meshushim Pool is the Stream Trail, a more scenic route that requires climbing down a 3 meter cliff with handholds and footholds.
The most challenging trail is from the Meshushim Pool to the Zavitan Stream and the Yehudiya campground. With steep descents and ascents, a very fit hiker will enjoy trekking through the heart of the Mount Tabor oak forest and seeing Ein Netef, a spring that creates a beautiful curtain of trickling water. More hexagonal pools await anyone energetic enough to hike the trail further up the Zavitan stream.
Don’t miss the plentiful wildflowers (Sept. – April, peaking in March) and wildlife in the reserve. Try to spot animals such as the mountain gazelle, golden jackal, wild boar, Indian crested porcupine and the carnivore grasshopper, some as big as 10 cm long. The reserve is also home to some nearly extinct raptors, such as Bonelli’s eagle, the Egyptian vulture and the Griffon vulture.
Note:
- In the summer, make sure to bring plenty of water (3 liters per person per day) and be aware of the heat stress index prior to embarking on a longer trail.
- In the winter, inquire about flood risk at the reserve’s visitors center.
- Be sure to register with reserve staff prior to embarking on the Zavitan stream trail. You will also need a vehicle to pick you up at the Yehudiya campground.
- Dogs on leashes are allowed at the reserve.
- Buy a ticket to the Meshushim Stream Nature Reserve and also get in free to the
Yehudiya reserve (only on the day of
purchase).
To See and Do
- Pool Trail: (2 km, 20 – 30 min.) to the Meshushim Pool
- Stream Trail: (3 km, 45 min.) requires climbing down a 3 m cliff
- Zavitan Stream: ( 8 km, 6 hours) steep descents and ascents, for very fit hikers
- Wild life, flowers, streams, waterfalls and pools
Child Friendly
- Lookout Trail: (300 m, 10 min.) easy walk to the observation plaza, wheelchair accessible
- Dolmen Trail: (700 m, 20 min.) easy loop to view the dolmens
Amenities
| Disabled Access | Limited to the Lookout Trail | |
| Eating | Snack bar & picnic tables |
Don’t Miss
The Observation Plaza, one of the few observation points in the Golan with a view to the east.
