Hermon Stream Nature Reserve: Where History Meets Nature

The Hermon Stream (Banias) Nature Reserve, located at the foot of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The reserve is known locally as Banias and encompasses nearly 19,500 acres, including the Mount Hermon ski resort, Nimrod Fortress National Park, and the village of Neve Ativ. The Banias Spring emerges powerfully from the ground and flows through a canyon for 3.5 km, creating the largest waterfall in Israel. The reserve features diverse flora and fauna, including plane trees, willows, Syrian rock hyraxes, and various fish species. The area is steeped in history, having been inhabited by Pagan Greeks, Romans, Early Christians, Muslims, and Mamluks. Key historical sites include the remains of a temple to the god Pan, which gave the site its name (Paneas), and the ruins of Caesarea Philippi, founded by Herod's son Philip in 2 BCE. The reserve offers a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Hanging Trail, a 100-meter suspended boardwalk along the Hermon Stream. Visitors can explore the Banias Springs, the Banias Waterfall, and the archaeological remains, with trails connecting the different areas. It's important to note that swimming in the reserve is prohibited. The Hermon Stream Nature Reserve is divided into two main areas: the Springs Area and the Waterfall Area, each with its own entrance and parking lot. A 2-kilometer hiking trail connects the two areas, allowing visitors to explore both.