Hermon Stream Nature Reserve, Marjeyoun Travel Guide

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Discover Israel's natural beauty and ancient history at the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve, home to stunning waterfalls and archaeological wonders.

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Hermon Stream Nature Reserve

The Hermon Stream (Banias) Nature Reserve is a stunning area in the northern Golan Heights, featuring lush scenery, Israel's largest waterfall, historical ruins, and the Banias Spring, making it a unique blend of nature and history.

A brief summary to Hermon Stream Nature Reserve

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hermon Stream Nature Reserve.

Visit in the spring for lush greenery and high water flow in the waterfalls.
Explore both the Springs and Waterfall areas to experience the full range of natural and historical attractions.
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails, including the Hanging Trail.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery, including the waterfalls, streams, and archaeological sites.
Check the official website for updated opening hours and reservation requirements.

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Explore Hermon Stream Nature Reserve on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Hermon Stream Nature Reserve, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

From Kiryat Shmona, take bus #58 or #87 and get off at the Snir Junction. From there, walk about 1 km along the road to the entrance of the Banias (Hermon) Nature Reserve.
Car

From Kiryat Shmona, drive east on Road 99 for approximately 15 minutes to reach the Hermon Stream Nature Reserve. There are two entrances, one for the Springs area and another for the Waterfall area. Select the appropriate entrance based on your desired destination. Parking is available at both entrances. Note that during peak season parking can fill up quickly.

Discover more about Hermon Stream Nature Reserve

The Hermon Stream (Banias) Nature Reserve, located in the northern Golan Heights, is a captivating destination where history and nature intertwine. The reserve spans nearly 19,500 acres across the slopes of Mount Hermon, Israel's highest peak. Known locally as Banias, the reserve encompasses the Mount Hermon ski resort, Nimrod Fortress National Park, and the village of Neve Ativ.The Banias Spring has attracted people for thousands of years. In ancient times, the spring was associated with Ba'al-gad or Ba'al Hermon, a pre-Hellenistic deity. The Greeks later dedicated the area to the god Pan, establishing a cult center and the city of Paneas around the spring in the 3rd century BC. Following the Greeks, the Romans ruled the region, and King Herod erected a temple at Banias in honor of Philip II.The Hermon Stream, accessible year-round, stretches 7.4km and is known as Israel's coldest stream. The stream's cascade culminates in Israel's largest waterfall, making it a popular spot for hikers. The Hanging Trail, a 100-meter boardwalk along the water's edge, offers a unique hiking experience.The reserve's forests are home to oak trees, Syrian ash trees, Oriental plane trees, willows, and various scrub plants. Visitors may also spot Syrian rock hyraxes, rock doves, kestrels, and various fish species. The area is also inhabited by nocturnal animals like wild boars, beech martens, and golden jackals.Archaeological remains at Banias include the Cave of Pan, where niches carved into the cliff once served as a shrine to the Greek god. An inscription dating back to 87 BC is dedicated to Pan and the mountain nymph, Echo. The remains of a Pan temple built by King Herod and a Crusader city can also be seen. The Matruf Flour Mill, a water-powered mill, continues to grind flour for local villages.The reserve is divided into two main sites: the Springs area, featuring the Banias Spring and archaeological ruins, and the Waterfall area, showcasing the Banias Falls and the Hanging Trail.