Made in Israel - Hevel HaBesor

The Hevel HaBesor region is a spectacular mosaic of nature, landscapes, open spaces, badlands, and agriculture. There is a river that changes its face throughout the seasons and along it are springs and fields that extend to the horizon, alongside greenhouses and charming corners. You will see huge trucks laden with carrots and potatoes, a rich world, and, a vast experience in the open. The trail begins at Eshkol Park - a national park that covers 875 acres. There is a spring here with running water and large lawns, shaded corners, picnic facilities, and more. In the northern part of the national park lies a small hill - Khirbat Shalala - with a beautiful view of the surroundings. In the western part of the park is a reconstruction of the British railway bridge that passed through the area during the First World War. Below it is a concrete passage that connects to the scenic road of the HaBesor Stream. You can drive along it and join the road or leave the park to Highway 241, travel west about 500 meters, where the brown trail shows the way to HaBesor road.

Derekh HaBesor
An 18 km long scenic road that was prepared by KKL-JNF for private vehicles. Along with it are observation points, historical sites, many attractive spots that invite travelers to pamper themselves in the shade of a single acacia tree, or on the water, and more. Toward the end of the scenic road, the rope bridge is about 80 meters long and allows passage over a natural water pool located in Nahal HaBesor. Along the side of the road are explanatory signs. The journey takes about one to two hours. The scenic road ends at Route 222.

"Through the fields" - an agricultural experience in the HaBesor region
The trail is a 20 km route that passes through the heart of the agricultural space, a special way, passable by all types of vehicles, which is specially prepared for hikers, "through the fields" is an invitation to experience the beauty of agriculture. Throughout the seasons you can travel the trail and see the life cycle of the agriculture there, and, to absorb the life of the farmer - plowing, sowing, and harvest, fields that slowly green and change color, a sea of golden harvests, large tractors and harvesting machines, giant row sprinklers and greenhouses of flowers and vegetables - just have to look and enjoy the straight lines of the crops, or, of the carts loaded with bright orange carrots.

Entering the road from Route 222 turn to Kibbutz Tze'elim, where you will find roadside services, bathing in a hammam, or dining at the restaurant. In front of the kibbutz, gate is a right turn, with a large map sign next to it, where you can get ready to set out on your hike. The trail passes Mitzpe Gvulot - which was established as an agricultural experiment station in 1943 - instead of activities or road services. From there you can continue along the paved road to Moshav Tzohar along eucalyptus boulevards, greenhouses and fields. For owners of 4X4 vehicles, you can continue on your way to Hevel Shalom where you can enjoy beautiful cactuses, sheep farms, restaurants, and rustic hospitality.

The rural tourism centers in the area have been prepared to provide the general public with quality training that combines the fascinating story of agriculture with many experiences, activities, tastings and many other offers suitable for those who want something to go well with their salad.

Written by: Dr. Shahar Shila