In the area around Ein Gedi, the Nohah Trail connects Nahal David, Nahal Arugot, and the antiquities of Ein Gedi. In this way, trails through the desert landscape meet an archaeological site. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between trail information according to the section and focus it refers to.
Hiking trails and viewpoints
The Nohah Trail is pleasant to walk. The section between Nahal David and the Ein Gedi Antiquities National Park is accessible to people with disabilities. This describes accessibility for a specific part of the route. A section of the Nahal David Nature Reserve also offers an approximately half-kilometer-long wheelchair-accessible trail with rest and viewpoint areas, as well as an audio station.
From there, there is a viewpoint overlooking the waterfall at the “Olympic” pool. The trail is designed to blend into the desert landscape, with rest areas shaded by acacia trees. Nubian ibex and rock hyraxes live in the area. When choosing a trail, you can consider not only the views but also the route’s design and its rest areas.
The two trail descriptions use different reference points: the Nohah Trail focuses on the connection between three named places, while the wheelchair-accessible trail in the Nahal David Nature Reserve is described by its approximate length and specific viewpoints. This information helps you narrow down the kind of nature experience you are looking for without implying that the accessibility of one section applies to the entire route.
An archaeological highlight
At the nearby Ein Gedi Antiquities National Park, visitors can borrow 3D glasses free of charge at the ticket office. Augmented reality lets you experience life in the ancient synagogue. Check whether the glasses are available on site before your visit. This specific cultural offering complements the hiking trails and viewpoints around Ein Gedi.
More destinations in the Southern District
The broader travel destination of the Southern District extends beyond the immediate area around Ein Gedi. The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve includes Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls, and flowing streams; Nubian ibex and rock hyraxes are also part of its wildlife. A hiking trail runs along the perennial Nahal Arugot to a hidden waterfall and pools in the upper reaches. Trail conditions may change after floods, so check them before setting out.
Another regional highlight is Avdat National Park in the Negev Highlands: it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and lies along the route of the ancient Incense Route. Masada is a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the final resistance of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 AD. Preserved remains include the remnants of Herod’s palaces and intact Roman siege works, among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world. Registering in advance through the visitor coordination system secures a place at Masada National Park for your selected visit date. As operational information may change, check the latest details before planning.
The visitor center at the Ramon Crater also offers a distinct focus: it combines the life story of Israel’s first astronaut, Lieutenant Colonel Ilan Ramon, with an introduction to the world’s largest crater and its unique natural phenomena. Registering in advance secures a place for your selected visit date; operational details may change. Nature trails, archaeological remains, and this visitor center represent different interests within the broader Southern District.
Discover more destinations
Hatzeva, Arad, Giv'ot Bar, Elifaz, Beersheba, Ein Bokek, Zuqim, Ashdod
Return to the main travel overview: Southern District.
