Nature and history offer several points of interest for planning a trip in the area around Hila: at Ein Tamir, water and limestone take center stage; trails along Nahal Kziv lead toward Monfort; and Khirbet Bilton preserves traces of an ancient settlement. A separate regional perspective leads to the Northern District, where Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo offer additional archaeological highlights.
Ein Tamir: Water Among Pale Limestone
At the end of the steep descent are clear pools around Ein Tamir. There, water flows between limestone potholes worn smooth by the stream, their bright white color standing out. The rocks around Ein Tamir are slippery. Do not enter the spring tunnel carved into the rock. Check current notices before your visit.
Trails Along Nahal Kziv and at Monfort
Along Nahal Kziv, about three kilometers downstream from Ein Tamir, a red-marked trail branches off and climbs to Monfort. After visiting Monfort, the red-marked trail climbs uphill to the start of the Monfort Trail. Cross the vehicle barrier and turn left to return to the parking lot near Mitzpe Hila. The junction, climb and return point provide clear reference points for the route.
Seasonal Blossoms and Traces of an Ancient Settlement
The Madonna lily blooms in May along the circular trail at Keren Baretot. If you want to plan your trip around this seasonal highlight, May is the right time to visit. An ancient settlement with an olive press and cisterns was located near Khirbet Bilton; goats were also kept there. Together, these details point to various aspects of life at the time, from animal husbandry to the built remains.
Archaeological Highlights in the Northern District
Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo offer distinct archaeological themes in the Northern District. At Tel Hazor, the visit focuses on the Upper City. Highlights include Solomon’s Gate, with six chambers and two towers dating to the 10th century BCE, and the Canaanite palace used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. The Late Bronze Age palace is considered the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most important in the Levant.
Tel Hazor’s water system can also be explored through its specific architectural features: the excavated shaft is 45 meters deep, with three-meter-wide steps cut into its vertical walls. The remains of the underground water collection system demonstrate sophisticated engineering adapted to the geography. The fortifications are considered the finest example of their kind in the area stretching from southern Turkey to the northern Negev.
Tel Megiddo is one of three tells that preserve significant remains of cities with biblical connections and are closely linked to events in the Bible. The Early Bronze Age temple complex stands out for the number of its temples, the continuity of its cultic activity and its documented ritual practices. The orthogonal city plan from the Iron Age has few parallels in the Levant.
Discover more destinations: Shefayim, Nahariyya, Jokne'am, Arbel, Bet Oren, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Kibuz Kinneret, Nir Dawid.
For the broader travel overview: Israel.
