The Nahal Kidod Trail leads to the Moav Lookout near Arad; the Nahal Tze’elim Trail is a loop at the western entrance to the city. Nearby is the fortified citadel of Tel Arad. These distinct locations help you plan local trails and nearby cultural attractions separately from other destinations in the wider Southern District.
Hiking Trails near Arad
The Nahal Kidod Trail begins near the lower houses of the Rotem neighborhood in eastern Arad. It passes water cisterns, reservoirs, and water channels, then climbs along a winding camel path to the Moav Lookout. The trail thus connects water structures with an uphill path leading to a named lookout point. Another point of reference is the Nahal Tze’elim Trail: this 6.5-kilometer loop begins and ends opposite the Artists’ Quarter at Arad’s western entrance, on the other side of Route 31. The two descriptions emphasize different features: one focuses on water structures and the climb, the other on the loop, its length, and the location of its start and finish.
Nearby Destinations with Historical and Nature Themes
The Tel Arad National Park is located near Arad. Its fortified citadel measures 50 × 55 meters and was part of the Kingdom of Judah’s defense system. Its size and historical function give the structure both a specific scale and a clear connection to the history of the Kingdom of Judah.
North of Arad, the Shorashim Unity Center offers a workshop in Nahal Kidod. Participants explore desert life, animals, plants, caves, and water wells. This brings different themes together: the historical role of a fortified structure at Tel Arad and the exploration of desert life and nature in the workshop. The workshop is located north of Arad.
Other Distinct Destinations in the Wider Southern District
For a broader regional perspective, the Southern District offers other historical points of interest. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the route of the ancient Incense Route in the Negev Highlands. Masada is associated with the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the final resistance of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 CE. Masada also preserves remains of Herod’s palaces and intact Roman siege works, which are 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 this operational arrangement may change, check the latest information before planning. This helps you tailor your visit plans to your preferred date.
The natural attractions in the Southern District also have different highlights. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve includes Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls, ibex, hyraxes, and flowing streams. A hiking trail follows the perennial Nahal Arugot to a hidden waterfall and pools in its upper reaches. Conditions on the trail may change after flooding; check them before hiking.
Besor Park (Eshkol) lies on the river’s eastern bank at the Ein Besor spring. The oasis includes extensive lawns, picnic facilities, and children’s playgrounds; it also has marked cycling trails and a disc golf course. Ein Gedi thus focuses on flowing water and a hiking trail, while Eshkol offers oasis grounds and several designated recreational activities.
If you’re looking for hotels in Arad, first decide whether you want to focus on the trails near the city and nearby Tel Arad, or include individual destinations elsewhere in the Southern District. This way, your choice of accommodation reflects the themes that matter to your trip.
Discover more destinations: Mashabei Sadeh, Sapir, Giv'ot Bar, Dimona, Midreshet Ben Gurion, Be'er Ora, Ein Bokek, Kiryat Mal'akhi
View the wider travel overview: Southern District.
