Section 5

Kinneret to Har Tavor

Trail Facts:

MAPS / TABLE KEY/ACCOMMODATION

• Season:All weather.
• Water: Scarce after Jordan Valley. Available from isolated farms.
• Refreshments: None on route.
• Sites of Interest: Hirbet Olam, Tel Rechesh, Kfar tavor Agricultural Museum.

The Route:

The Ride:

The Sea to Sea Trek Begins !

With this section the Israel Bike Trail begins its journey across Northern Israel to the Mediterranean Sea. This could be the basis of a three day 'Sea to Sea Trek' through a region of rich landcapes, cultural variety, and important historical associations.

From the Baptismal Center at the Yardenit the route follows the river Jordan southwards. This could be a very evocative were it not for the sewage canal that runs parallel with the river; full -immersion is definitely not recommended here ! This, however, is soon left behind as we pass through the fields and plantations of the Jordan Valley and the cradle of Jewish settlement in the area. After the village of Menachamia (last chance for water!) the big climb out of the Jordan Valley begins by way of an old road which winds its way up to the Heights of Yavniel, 400 meters above.

The break at the top is a good time to munch some energy and absorb the view over into Jordan. We won't be back in the Rift Valley until the Arava ! Turning around we immediately see our objective of the day, Mount Tabor rising dramatically in the distance. The route is now on wide farm tracks that are dusty in summer and muddy in winter,through vast wheat and cotton fields and ruined villages from eras past. Care is needed in following the trail as there are few outstanding landmarks to get our bearings, and the descents are fast. The track is sometimes ploughed up by the local farmers.


On the Heights of Yavniel with the view to Tabor.

The route follows the streams draining off the plateau, Nachal Reches and Nahal Tabor, which have water flowing most of the year round, so be prepared for some splashing ! The tracks, though, are wide, and not too much bother technically in an area that is green all year round. The last part of the ride is on the road to the Alon Tavor Field School , but if there is time and energy left, the climb of Mount Tabor to the monastery on the summit could be attempted, or alternatively a visit to the Farmer's Yard Museum at Kfar Tavor which features a reconstructed pioneer farm.

Maps:
All map numbers refer to the Israel Hiking and Touring Maps, 1:50,000, with marked trails and tracks. As yet only one map is in English, #20, Eilat Mountains.On these the Israel National Hiking Trail is marked by a solid red line. Occasionally the 1:100,000 UTM series has been used.
The Israel Bike Trail, is not marked, but provisional B&W photococpies , of the sections of the trail already prepared,are available .Some with English annotation..These give only a general indication of the route and any rider contemplating doing the section should take a guide who is familiar with the route .

For anyone wanting a guide to ride this section, please contact Jon Lipman.

Table Key:
Classification (with number) of Climbs- A = Very strenuous, B= Strenuous, C=Moderate..

Trail Types-
Forest = Wide prepared tracks with hardpack surface.
Rough = Unprepared surface, with loose matrial, sometimes technically demanding.
Farm = Typical agricultural type track, softpack, liable to go glutinous in rain
Sandy = Self-descriptive, desert type softpack sometimes with stony top layer in dried river beds.
Single = Narrow track, only suitable for riding or walking
Water = Water courses to cross.

Ride Category -
Overall difficulty of ride for an average rider of average fitness.

Accommodation:
Start:
B&B Moshav Kinneret, Guest House Kibbutz Degania, Porriya Hostel.
Finish:
Alon Tavor Field School

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