Waterfall Adventures in Israel: A Season-by-Season Guide
Israel, despite its arid climate, is home to several beautiful waterfalls, particularly in the north where the terrain is more mountainous and receives more rainfall. Below is a comprehensive list of waterfalls in Israel, categorized by their activity levels based on the season. Waterfalls in Israel are most active during the winter and spring (December to April) when rainfall is highest, and least active during the summer and fall (June to October) when water flow diminishes or dries up.
Most Active Waterfalls in Israel (Year-Round)
These waterfalls are fed by perennial streams or have significant water flow during the rainy season and can be visited year round for swimming and site-seeing.
1. Banias Waterfall (Hermon Stream)
- Location: Banias Nature Reserve, Golan Heights
- Active: Year-round, but most impressive in winter and spring.
- Details: One of the most powerful waterfalls in Israel, fed by the Banias Spring.
2. Saar Waterfall
- Location: Golan Heights, near Mount Hermon
- Active: Winter and spring (can dry up in summer).
- Details: A dramatic waterfall that flows during the rainy season.
3. Gamla Waterfall
- Location: Gamla Nature Reserve, Golan Heights
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: The highest waterfall in Israel (51 meters) and a popular spot for hiking.
4. Tannur Waterfall (Ein Tina)
- Location: Golan Heights
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A seasonal waterfall with a unique rock formation.
5. Ayun Waterfall (Iyon Stream)
- Location: Near Metula, Upper Galilee
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A series of four waterfalls along the Ayun Stream.
6. Ein Gedi Waterfall (David Stream)
- Location: Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Judean Desert
- Active: Winter and spring (can dry up in summer).
- Details: A desert oasis waterfall fed by winter rains.
7. Ein Avdat Waterfall
- Location: Ein Avdat National Park, Negev Desert
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A stunning desert waterfall in a canyon setting.
8. Zavitan Waterfall
- Location: Golan Heights
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: Part of the Zavitan Stream, known for its hexagonal basalt columns.
9. Jilabun Waterfall
- Location: Golan Heights
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A hidden gem with a deep pool at its base.
10. Meshushim Pool (Hexagon Pool)
- Location: Yehudiya Forest Nature Reserve, Golan Heights
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A unique waterfall flowing into a pool surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns.
Least Active Waterfalls (Seasonal or Dry in Summer/Fall)
These waterfalls are highly dependent on seasonal rainfall and may dry up completely during the summer.
1. Shulamit Waterfall
- Location: Golan Heights
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A small but picturesque waterfall.
2. Darga Waterfall
- Location: Nahal Darga, Judean Desert
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A desert waterfall that flows only after heavy rains.
3. Amud Waterfall
- Location: Nahal Amud, Upper Galilee
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A seasonal waterfall along the Amud Stream.
4. Kziv Waterfall
- Location: Nahal Kziv, Upper Galilee
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A seasonal waterfall in a lush canyon.
5. Snir Waterfall (Hatzbani Stream)
- Location: Nahal Snir Nature Reserve, Upper Galilee
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: Part of the Snir Stream, which flows into the Jordan River.
6. Ein Moked Waterfall
- Location: Near Mount Meron, Upper Galilee
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A small, seasonal waterfall.
7. Ein Hardalit Waterfall
- Location: Golan Heights
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A hidden waterfall that flows only after rains.
8. Ein Zivan Waterfall
- Location: Golan Heights
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A seasonal waterfall near the Ein Zivan settlement.
9. Ein Nymphit Waterfall
- Location: Golan Heights
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A small waterfall that flows into a pool.
10. Ein Pik Waterfall
- Location: Golan Heights
- Active: Winter and spring.
- Details: A seasonal waterfall in a remote area.
Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Israel
Best Time to Visit:
Winter (December–February) and spring (March–April) are the best times to see waterfalls at their peak flow.
Summer Visits:
Many waterfalls dry up in summer, so focus on perennial ones like Banias or Gamla.
Safety:
Be cautious of slippery rocks and flash floods in desert areas during the rainy season.
Permits:
Some waterfalls are located in nature reserves, so check if an entry fee or permit is required.
