28/05/2024
Nature and landscape in Kiryat Ekron: green in the eyes
Nature and landscapes in Kiryat Ekron and the surrounding area - enjoy some greenery
The location of Kiryat Ekron is almost ideal for travelers, especially for those coming from the lowlands and the center, but not only. Its location on main roads, together with its proximity to the fertile nature of the lowlands, allow visitors to reach a multitude of particularly interesting and beautiful sites. The nature lovers among us will be able to find forests, caves, sea and sand, all in close proximity to Kiryat Ekron. We have brought here a representative sample of some of the nature trip options that you can choose from, but it is important to remember that there are many more that have not been included here. However, there is an important point. All these places will be difficult to reach by public transport, so you will need a car. You can use your car, and if you prefer not to, then you can use car rental services in Israel to get to the suggested sites.
Credit: Zeev Stein, from the pikiwiki website
Gibton Springs
Only a quarter of an hour away from Ekron (and that's only because you have to go around the fields) there is a small and charming nature reserve, one that you wouldn't believe is hidden among the busy roads and noisy railroads. Gibton Springs Reserve has undergone a very comprehensive renovation in recent years, and not long ago received the latest addition to its territory - the observation tower that cannot be missed. The reserve is built around an ancient mound, where a settlement existed as early as four thousand years ago. There are records of it in ancient writings, and the archaeological findings here included, among other things, a cache of tens of thousands of copper coins. It is an easy, fun and refreshing linear route, one that will close a corner for you and is suitable for most ages. However, it is important to note that it is not really possible to do the route with a stroller or wheelchair. In addition, please note that you should not have a picnic in the reserve area (for this purpose, there is a grove of eucalyptus about a twenty-minute walk from the starting point).
Yaer Huldah and Beit Herzl
The Rat Forest is also about a quarter of an hour's drive from Akron, and is an excellent destination for an easy route, a picnic and a stay under the shade of the trees away from the hustle and bustle of the roads. The forest itself and Beit Herzl in which there is a rich history associated with the birth of the pioneers and the establishment of the settlements working in the area, and Beit Herzl itself was used, among other things, as a place of residence for the Hebrew laborers who worked in the forest. In recent years, the forest and Beit Herzl have undergone extensive renovation and reconstruction, and have returned to being accessible and pleasant places for the public. The route in the forest is about two kilometers long, and is suitable for a trip in any season as long as it is not rainy. It is also important to note that it is recommended to check in advance whether Herzl Farm is open, but even if it is not open it is not a reason to give up visiting the place.
Ben Shemen Forest
A much larger and more famous forest than the Huldah forest is the Ben Shemen forest, which, together with the Yarkon, is considered the green lung of Gush Dan. It is located between the Ben Shemen interchange (near Netavg and Lod) and Modi'in, and over the years a number of trails have been prepared in it, suitable for any type of sport in nature. You can do hiking trails, bike trails, motorcycle tours and even scenic car tours (some are suitable for 4x4 vehicles only) In the surroundings you can find a variety of activities depending on what suits you, and there are also quite a few places where you can eat (although the recommendation is of course to have a picnic in the forest, and make sure you have collected the garbage and taken it with you).
Credit: Elda Nathaniel, from the pikiwiki website
Nahal Shork Estuary National Park
In the other direction compared to the Ben Shemen forest, is the national park of the Nahal Sorek estuary, right next to Palmahim Beach. Nahal Sorek itself is a fairly long stream, which begins its course in the Binyamin mountains and winds along the mountains of Jerusalem and the Shefala until it empties into the sea at this point. Thanks to the restoration efforts of the Nature and Parks Authority, the national park is gradually regrowing the population of animals and plants typical of the area. The route on the spot, a pleasant, fun and easy route, allows visitors to be impressed by the vegetation, animals and the impressive landscapes that include a spectacular view of the nearby sea. It is important to note that the route (except for the first and short part) is not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs.
Palmahim Beach
Very close to the Nahal Sorek estuary reserve, and also about a twenty minute drive from Akron, is the famous Palmahim beach. This is one of the most beloved beaches in Israel, with nice sand and gorgeous water. However, apart from the beach itself you can find in the reserve remains of an ancient Canaanite city, a population of turtles being restored by the Nature and Parks Authority, and an impressive variety of local flora and fauna. It is important to note that entry to the entire reserve (including the regulated beach) is subject to a fee.
