The Tel Dan Nature Reserve is a kind of wonderland: Streams flow everywhere into a wild river and tall trees provide welcome shade even on the hottest summer afternoon
The Dan River is the largest and most important source of the Jordan. It is fed by rain and snow that trickles down through the rock of Mount Hermon and emerges at its foot in hundreds of springs, creating the most plentiful spring in the Middle East with an annual 240 million cubic meters of water. Although the size of the reserve is only 481 dunams (about 120 acres), it features three varied trails, one of which is partially wheelchair-accessible. The trail passes along streams, the river, and through a shady tangle of trees. Farther along the trail is a flour mill that operated until 1948, and the ruins of the Canaanite city of Laish, which was captured by the shevet of Dan during the period of the Shoftim. Among the special finds here is the High Place, attributed to the time of King Jerovem Ben Nevot. The Israelite city gate has been restored, as has the Canaanite gate, with perhaps the earliest constructed arch ever discovered. How to get there: On road 99 (Kiryat Shmona-Mas’adeh) about 11 km east of the Metsudot junction north of Kiryat Shmona, near Kibbutz Dan Length of tour:1-2 hours Other facilities and attractions: Restaurant, picnic area, wheelchair accessible. Entrance fee:Adult: NIS 29; child: NIS 15; Senior citizens: 15. Group rate (over 30 people): Adult: NIS 23; child: NIS 14 Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible trail Information Maps Route