On the outskirts of Kokhav Ya'ir, the Oaks Trail brings together two special themes: old and newly planted trees, and the remains of Khirbet Mazra’a. Information about the western access point and the trail’s length helps distinguish the route to the trailhead from the trail itself. Along the way, you’ll also come across an avenue of Tabor oaks and historic water installations.

Access and route information

The Oaks Trail is 1.2 km long; this figure does not include the route on the Pine Trail. The western access point starts at 46 HaGilad Street. From there, a path along the edge of town runs for about 600 m to the trailhead. The figures therefore refer to different sections: 1.2 km describes the trail, while around 600 m refers to the western path to the trailhead. If you choose this access point, you can include the two sections in your plans one after the other. Check the latest trail information before your visit.

Grove and avenue of Tabor oaks

The landscape along the Oaks Trail includes a grove of widely spaced old trees, supplemented by new plantings. Nearby, the trail also features a planted avenue of Tabor oaks, about 100 m long. The two descriptions highlight different features: in the grove, the spacing between the older trees and the additional plantings shape the landscape; for the avenue, the focus is on the tree species, the deliberate planting, and its approximate length. This gives the natural and cultivated aspects of the route their own points of reference, without confusing the length of the avenue with that of the trail.

Water installations at Khirbet Mazra’a

A small hill rises at Khirbet Mazra’a. An ancient cistern is located there, with part of its stone vault still intact. The ruins along the Oaks Trail also include a reservoir. Two surviving courses of masonry bear witness to its former vault. A well covered with a grate is also among the remains of Khirbet Mazra’a.

These details illustrate different states of preservation: part of the cistern’s stone vault is still present. At the reservoir, the remaining courses of masonry indicate that it once had a vault. The grate covering is the feature described for the well. The cistern, reservoir, and well are therefore specific points of reference that help identify the historic remains, rather than simply perceiving them as ruins in general. Together with the small hill, they anchor the site’s cultural history at a named location along the trail.

For those considering a stay in Kokhav Ya'ir, the Oaks Trail offers a clearly defined connection to nature and culture: the route information covers both the access path and the trail, while the grove, avenue, and ruins appeal to different interests. This makes it easier to decide whether this combination of a trail and historic traces suits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Liman, Bet Sheʼan, Kfar Kisch, Avdon, Kfar Blum, Mikhmoret, Ein Zivan, Keramim

For the overview of destinations: Israel.