A Trip to Emek HaMa'ayanot
If you travel just an hour and a half north from the center of Israel, you'll find a nature lovers’ paradise, with pools filled with turquoise water, natural slides and trails for hiking in the water - all available free of charge! I have prepared a guide to help you find all the places to go to in Emek HaMa'ayanot, located in the north of Israel between Afula and Beit She'an. All the places are easily accessible by car, and if you don't have one, hiring a car could be an excellent solution.
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Same return
Driver's age
24 and above
Pickup date
08:00
Pickup time
Return date
08:00
Return time
A minimum of six months' license is required
Ein Migdal
Ein Migdal provides water to Nahal HaKibbutzim, flowing yearlong at a pleasant temperature of 24°C. This is THE place to visit during the hot days of the Israeli summer. Be patient even if you see a lot of people at the mouth of the stream, because it is 1.5 km long, and has plenty of hidden spots waiting just for you. Incidentally, the name "Ein Migdal' is derived from Homa and Migdal, the special operation carried out in the 1930s to swiftly establish 52 fortified agricultural settlements. The nearby kibbutz, Nir David, which was originally called Tel Amal, was the first to be established in this method, and was erected in a single day.
Directions & Info :
Entrance is free
The site includes toilet facilities, changing rooms, bike trails and trails for people with disabilities and with strollers.
Ein Shokek
Ein Shokek is one of the most beautiful pools in Israel and has the clearest water. The clear water flows here from the north of the Shomron and from the Gilboa and flows into Emek HaMa'ayanot all year round. There are benches around the large pool and plenty of shade, and you will also find the "wet trail", which only a few people know about. This is a trail offering a 15–20-minute walk in the water. The entrance into the wet trail is hidden behind a wall located on the north (left) side of the pool - don't miss it! Please note that to get to Ein Shokek, you will have to walk for 15-20 minutes on a comfortable road.
Directions & Info :
Entrance is free of charge
Ein Shokek is accessible to strollers and to people with disabilities.
HaMeshulash (Triangle) Pool and the Slides
The Triangle Pool, which got its name from its shape, is located at the end of Nahal HaKibbutzim, at a location only the locals know about. The pool is surrounded by a clean flowing stream, with shade and picnic tables. But the main attraction here is the natural slides in Nahal HaKibbutzim, which will make you feel like children again. The nearest slide is located under the bridge, and can be easily accessed through stairs leading to it (they are a little slippery so tread carefully). The farthest slide, which is also an attraction you will want to go on again and again, is located five minutes away, just walk in the direction of Nahal HaKibbutzim. Around the slides you'll find wonderful areas where you can get in the water, just be careful not to cross any fence, since some areas are closed to protect the unique plants and fish that live only there.
Directions & Info :
Entrance is free
There are waste bins at the site, but it is not accessible to strollers or to people with disabilities.
The White Rapids
Meet the natural jet spa enjoyed by residents of the Beit She'an area. The White Rapids, which flow all year round, were discovered a few years ago and immediately became one of the coolest tourist attractions in the area. The site includes shallow pools and a challenging trail for hiking in the water. The site is located near Kibbutz Ein HaNatziv, and you can park very close to it. If you want some alone time, continue walking along the stream and explore its hidden pools. The fact you can get all the way to the water with your car is a big advantage of this site, and if you don't have a car, you can always hire one and come here to enjoy this amazing site.
Directions & Info :
Entrance is free
The site is not accessible to strollers or to people with disabilities.
Ein Izra'el
Not far from Afula, there is a big and shallow pool suitable for families with children of all ages. This is an amazing spot to spend a few hours. The site offers shade, clear water, and if you want, you may also camp overnight right at the water's edge. The water in the pool flows from a year-round underground spring. The pool is 60-90 cm deep, and at its center there is a structure dating from the time of the British Mandate, which once housed pumps (they do not operate today, so there are no safety concerns). You are re-discovering a place that King Saul's Israeli soldiers visited before going to the battle of the Gilboa 5,000 years ago, when they were searching for a spot for a pre-battle meal.
Directions & Info :
Entrance is free. You can get all the way to the water in your vehicle.
Waste bins are available, but the site is not accessible to strollers or to people with disabilities.