Jerusalem Forest Offers Nature Close to the City

Jerusalem may be most famous for its holy sites and history. But it is also bursting with natural beauty. Situated in the mountains, the city boasts the Jerusalem Forest to its west and north while going south or east leads into the desert. This nature is not to be missed among the attractions in Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem Forest is a peaceful landscape of pine trees, springs and hiking trails. Many of the trees were planted by the Jewish National Fund in the 1950s, turning empty hilltops into areas of lush green that now cover thousands of acres. This forest joins other older, natural forests made up mostly of olive trees, including the Aminadav Forest and the Sataf west of Jerusalem. Today the entire area is popular for hiking, cycling, running, picnicking and relaxing.

Hiking in the Jerusalem Forest and Surroundings

The area offers several hiking and walking trails, some with natural springs. There are trails for all different abilities and interests.

• The Jerusalem Forest: One of the best trails is the Cedar Trail, located near Yad Vashem in the Ontario Recreation Area. The trail is hilly, offering beautiful views and also plenty of shaded areas to rest.

• The Trail of the Springs: This circular trail, about 3.75 kilometers in length, connects several natural springs and offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. The trailhead is just a 15 minute drive from the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem, in the city center. It can also be reached by walking about 1 kilometer from the parking lot of Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital, which is served by public transportation.

• The Sataf: This area offers various hikes for every ability. In addition to forests of olive trees, visitors can experience natural springs, ancient ruins and caves. Most trails are easily reached from the Upper Sataf parking lot. The area can also be reached by public bus, getting of at the Sataf Intersection stop. 

How to Experience the Jerusalem Forest

All of these areas, maintained by the Jewish National Fund, are open year- round. But spring, fall and sunny winter days are the best time for visits. In the summer, the trails are best explored early in the morning, or for short amounts of time.

One of the best ways to enjoy the Jerusalem Forest and other forests in the area is to pick a trail, and head there with a packed lunch or snacks to enjoy alongside one of the springs or picnic areas. Swimming is permitted in some of the springs, but simply dipping your feet in is also a nice way to experience the water, which can be very cold, even in the summer.

There is a pretty cafe, called The Sataf, near the Har Eitan Junction, along Road 385, serving fresh pastries, salad, sandwiches and other items. This is a good place for a snack or light meal. It is recommended to check the opening hours.

FAQs about the Jerusalem Forest

How do you get to the Jerusalem Forest? 

The entrance to the forest is along Jerusalem’s Herzl Street. It is also reachable via the Mount Herzl Light Rail station, which is about a 30-minute walk from the main trailheads. 

Can you reach the Jerusalem Forest, Sataf or Trail of the Springs by bus?

Yes, these are possible to reach by bus as long as you don’t mind a bit of walking. The best way to reach them via public transportation is to check the routes on the Moovit app.

What is there to do in the Jerusalem Forest?

The Jerusalem Forest contains hiking trails as well as designated camp sites, picnic and barbecue areas. You can also visit the Yad Kennedy Memorial, a 60-foot high memorial dedicated to U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Can you barbecue in the Jerusalem Forest? Yes, in designated places with picnic tables and charcoal disposal bins.

Is the Jerusalem forest free? Yes, this, along with the Sataf and Trail of the Springs, are accessible without an entrance fee.