2004 Update of the Israel Bike Trail
An update of the whole project is underway and will include
detailed maps of the routes, GPS navigation co-ordinates, and will be revised to take into account the many changes on the ground since the original survey of  1997.
Updated Sections will be marked

 

AIM OF PROJECT:
To adapt the existing 'Israel National Trail' into a north -south bike route, 'The Israel Bike Trail'. An ongoing project started in October 1997 by Jon Lipman of the Carmel Mountain Bike Club.

The project is now 80% complete and rides on the trail are now available (see below).

TRAIL FACTS:
Approximate Length -850kms
Projected Start - Neve Ativ on the slopes of Mount Hermon.
Projected Finish - Almog Beach, Eilat.
Sections of Trail - 20 day- length rides.
Direction of Trail - See map opposite with sections numbered.

TRAIL BREAKDOWN:
Each section is of varying length, terrain ,difficulty, and can be ridden in a
day by a moderately fit rider. Each section usually finishes with accommodation in the vicinity if needed. Sections prepared and ride-ready are linked, so click on the map or the list below for a full description. The others are still projections as regards start and finish and may change after preparation.

  1. Neve Ativ to Tel Hay.
  2. Hagoshrim to Ramot Naftali.
  3. Ramot Naftali to Amirim.
  4. Amirim to Kinneret.
  5. Kinneret to Mount Tabor.
  6. Mount Tabor to Harduf
  7. Harduf to Beit Oren
  8. Beit Oren to Zichron Ya'acov.
  9. Zichron Ya'acov to Rosh Ha'ayin.
  10. Rosh Ha'ayin to Nachshon.
  11. Nachshon -Shoresh-Mevo Betar
  12. Mevo Betar to Beit Guvrin
  13. Beit Guvrin to Keramim.
  14. Keramim to Arad
  15. Arad to Mamshit
  16. Mamshit to Sede Boqer.
  17. Sede Boqer to Mitspeh Ramon/Ein Be'erot
  18. Ein Saharonim to Mo'a
  19. Mo'a to Shacharut[new]
  20. Shacharut to Eilat.

 


THE ISRAEL NATIONAL TRAIL, 'Shvil Yisrael', INT

This is the existing hiking trail, from 'Dan to Eilat' on which the Bike Trail is based. The trail winds its way through the countryside, passing areas of great natural beauty,sites sacred to the great religions,and the settlements of Jews, Muslims, Christians,Druze, and others. The INT serves as the backbone for thousands of kilometers of other marked hiking trails, which are thus integrated into a nation-wide network, designed to foster nature conservation and to preserve the special character of each geographical region.

The INT is marked in the field by a marking in orange,blue, and white colour
(see photo below)


ADAPTATION OF INT INTO THE ISRAEL BIKE TRAIL:
Much of the existing INT is already rideable but there are parts where it crosses difficult terrain unsuitable for bikes. Jon Lipman is mapping the alternative possibilities by incorparating them into his riding schedule.
Even at the present stage of development the Israel Bike Trail has a combination of biking features that are unique and should be a major attraction for mountain bikers and cycle tourists from all over the world. This site will keep you updated as regards the development of the project .
It is hoped that when the Israel Bike Trail is complete its details will be published in a guide and be marked on the Israel Hiking and Touring maps.

WANT TO RIDE THE TRAIL NOW?

Contact Jon Lipman for all individually guided rides available on the trail, or for more organised tours go to:

Israel Bike Trail Tours

Jon Lipman - Israel Trail Guide

 

[CMBC Homepage][CMBC Infolink][Rides Report][Haifa For Bicycles][Foreign Page][Mount Carmel]

Webmaster & Trail Guide: Jonathan Lipman

 

Neve Ativ To Hagoshrim Hagoshrim to Ramot Naftali Ramot Naftali to Amirim Amirim to Kineret Kineret to Mt. Tabor Mount Tabor to Harduf Harduf to Beit Oren Beit Oren to Zichron Yaakov Zichron Yaakov to Rosh Ha'ayin Rosh Ha'ayin to Nachshon Nachshon - Shoresh - Mevo Beitar Mevo Beitar to Beit Guvrin Keramim to Arad Arad to Mamshit Mamshit to Sede Boqer Sde Boker to Mitzpe Ramon Mo'a to Shacharut

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