Hermon Stream Nature Reserve: Where History Meets Nature

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.