THE UNUSUAL CAVE FORMATIONS IN NAHAL HALILIM
The highlight of this hike in Nahal Halilim is its unusual cave formations. They are called the “Halilim Caves” because the wind blowing through them makes a sound like a flute (halil is a flute in Hebrew), and the openings to the caves look like the holes of a flute. Also consider taking a short walk in the adjoining Emeq HaArazim where there are picnic benches and board and stepping games.
This hike is included in the best-selling guide for exploring in and around Jerusalem
"In and Around Jerusalem for Everyone - The Best Walks, Hikes and Outdoor Pools"
It contains essays, maps, photos, helpful information, and much more.
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Directions and parking: Enter "Emeq HaArazim" into Waze. If starting from the top of Nahal Halilim, enter “Hashalom School, Mevaseret Zion” into Waze for the parking lot outside HaShalom School (66 Hashalom Street, Mevaseret Zion).
Starting point: The bottom of Nahal Halilim at the Emek HaArazim parking lot. If you are using public transport and/or intend exploring Mevaseret Zion, start at the top of Nahal Halilim..
Time: 11⁄2–2 hours
Distance: 4.3 km
Type of hike: There and back on the same path
Difficulty: Mildly steep footpath with some easy rock climbing
Public transport: Enter "Nahal Halilim" into Moovit. Buses from Binyanei Ha’umah in Jerusalem stop at חצב/רמב׳׳ם, and the top of Nahal Halilim is about a 5-minute walk from here.
THE HIKE:
As described here, the caves are visited on your return as you are walking down the valley, although they can just as easily be visited on the way up:
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Take the green-marked trail that ascends from the parking lot. After a short distance there is a junction in front of a small patch of green vegetation and benches. Take the right fork and continue upwards. Notice the houses on the ridges above the valley. They are on prime real estate and there has been tension with real estate developers regarding the extent to which they should be allowed to encroach upon this nature reserve.
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After about 30 minutes, a trail on your right with a marker indicating points of interest leads to Jewish burial caves from the Second Temple period. Further down from these are remains of winepresses from the Second Temple period and poorly preserved remains of burial caves from First Temple times.
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At the top of the valley, turn around and head back. Alternatively, if you wish to visit Mavaseret Zion, the path to the right is the quickest way into town.
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After about 20-25 minutes descending the valley, the path comes to a fork and the path to the right leads to the caves. One can enter the caves, which are long caverns. Outside the caves is a popular place for a snack or picnic.
A SHORT CIRCULAR HIKE ALONG EMEK HA'ARAZIM
From the parking lot, one can also take a short circular walk along Emek Ha'Arazim to the Telem Spring. It is about a 30-minute walk there and back. Emek HaArazim is a segment of Nahal Sorek and is part of the impressive Jerusalem Park system. Walk along the bicycle path. There are picnic areas and large sculpted stones containing interesting information about the valley. Shortly, you will come to an area with board and stepping games. After this, a paved path on your left leads to the Telem Spring, which may be dry during the summer. In the early 1900's an oil factory was built close to the spring, and a few families settled here, but the place was abandoned after the 1929 Arab riots and was never rebuilt. Return to your car using the path on the other side of the streambed for a circular walk.
This hike is included in our book "In and Around Jerusalem for Everyone. The Best Walks, Hikes and Outdoor Swimming" and this chapter has an engaging essay, more explanations, and explanations of nearby places of interest..