Tourism Notifications - Central Israel

Ilanot Visitors Center and Botanical Garden - Opening Hours

The Botanical garden is open for travelers between 8:00 and 17:00. Accessible public restrooms are open between 9:00 and 16:00. The visitors center hosts individual travelers and groups, registration is required – call 09-8974800 or email mmilanot@kkl.org.il. Groups can also book guided tours at the botanical garden. Staring fire is forbidden all throughout the park. Travel in the park is by foot only, with the exception of scooters used by handicapped people. Dogs are allowed in the park, as long as they are kept on a leash.

Partial Switch of the Judaean Foothills Paths to 4X4 Status

Due to heavy rains in the winter of 2022, several public paths in the Judaean foothills will switch to 4X4 status. Road signs will provide specific directions along the paths.
(Updated March 7th, 2022)

HaHamisha Forest Neve Ilan – Closure of Trails

Due to waterline constructions works, the forest trails will be occasionally be closed to visitors, especially for travel on vehicles. The works are expect to continue for several months, and the opening status of different trails can change on a daily basis. Please consult the signs in the site for more information.

Kula Forest – Closure of Warriors Path

The Warriors path will be closed from June 21st, 2021 until further notice due to forest works.

The Martyrs Forest

The path through the Judea Mountains national park and the Martyrs forest will be closed to motor vehicles, and will be open for foot travelers and bicycle riders only.

Hadera Forest – Closure of the Center of the Forest

Due to collapsing trees in the aftermath of a forest fire in September, visitors are not allowed in the center of the forest until further notice.
(Updated April 6th, 2022)

Haruvit Forest - Closure of the Public Restrooms at Halo'hem Recreation Area

The public restrooms at recreation area are closed until further notice.
(Updated April 24th, 2022)

Modi'in Forest – Temporary Detour for the Israel National Trail

Due to development works in the bridges of the Anava interchange, a two-kilometer detour has been marked for the Israel National Trail.

Aminadav Forest - Ein Hindak

The Ein Hindak spring on the springs path is closed to the public due to a collapse hazard.

Tzora-President Forest –Tnufa Mountain

The Tnufa Mountain experienced a severe storm on March 2020. While all trails are open, visitors are cautioned not to stray off them due to the danger of collapsing trees.

Sataf - Nahal Sorek Trail

The Nahal Sorek trail from the Sataf's lower car park to the water cleansing facility is closed to the public due to hazards.

Sataf - Ein Bikura Spring

The Ein Bikura spring track is open and safe for travel.

Ayalon-Canada Park – Emergency Numbers

Emergency numbers:
Police – Modi'in Ilit – 08-6314680
Fire Department – Beit Shemesh – 02-5655440
Fire Department – Judea and Samaria – 02-5690600

Ayalon-Canada Park – Opening Hours

The park's gates open on 5:30 and close on 18:00. Vehicles are not allowed in the park while the gates are closed. The park is open 24/7 for foot travelers.

Public restrooms opening hours:

Western Zeitim car park: Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 16:00. Restrooms are accessible.

Eastern Zeitim car park: Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 16:00.

Ayalon-Canada Park – Tel Akad

Tel Akad and the trail leading to it are closed until further notice due to safety hazards.

Britain Park – The Luzit Caves

The Luzit caves are closed for visitors. Entrance to the Tel Goded caves has been blocked.

Britain Park – Trails

The Red Trail (9446) – from Mitzpe Masua to Hirbet Midras – will be temporarily closed due to safety hazards in crossing road 38 (limited field of vision). KKL-JNF is in search of an alternate route that will serve the many travelers in the area.
The Blue Trail (9445) from Mitzpe Masua to the Luzit Caves – the trail has been blocked due to a ban on visiting the Luzit caves.
The Israel National Trail section, between Tel Goded and the Beit Nir road – the section has been moved in the northwest direction due to safety hazards at the Tel Goded caves area.

American Independence Park – Ein Al-Marj

Arrival and travel through Ein Al-Marj near the stalactite tunnel are extremely dangerous. The site is closed for travelers.

American Independence Park – Cesar Trail

Entrance to the Cesar Trail, from Horvat Hanut to the Beit Habad car park, along Road 375, is forbidden due to a severe safety hazard.

Closure of the Shen Hapil Recreation Area

The Shen Hapil recreation area, underneath Har Nof,  is closed due to interchange development work.

Ayalon-Canada Park – Overnight Camping Forbidden

Overnight camping for either individuals or groups, is forbidden in the park.

Defenders' Forest - Closure of the Road to the Youth Camp

On June 9, The road to the youth camp will be closed due to roadworks.

Closure of Public Restrooms

Restrooms will be closed until further notice in the following sites:

- Mitzpe Modi'in at the Ben-Shemen Forest

- Active recreation car park at the Ben-Shemen Forest

- Eastern and western parts of the Ayalon-Canada Park

- The Zeitim car park at the Tzora forest

- The Srigim car park at the Britain Park

Mitzpe Modi'in Amphitheatre - Events

Events cannot be held at the Mitzpe Modi'in Amphitheatre until further notice.

Hulda Forest – Restroom Opening Hours

The restrooms are open on Friday, Saturday and on holidays, from 08:00 to 16:00.

Kadima Forest - Road Pavement

Due to road pavement works, entrance to the forest is allowed only through the entrance to the town of Kadima.

Hulda Forest – Herzl House

The Herzl House and its surroundings will be closed to the public from October 30 until further notice, due to renovations.Visiting the compound is strictly forbidden.

Ben Shemen Forest – Closure of the Hadid Single

The Hadid single is closed for cycling until further notice due to forest works.

Britain Park – White Strip at the Entrance to the Srigim Recreation Area for Travelers Coming from Road 38

To enter the recreation area, drivers are required to drive toward Ajur and make a U-turn.

Adulam Park

1) Infrastructure works for the town of Givat Eden take place at the northern entrance to the park. Travelers are advised to practice caution, and use other entrances whenever possible. 2) The hiding tunnels at Horvat Atri are now open to the public. 3) The Bell Cave is closed due to hazards.

Adulam Park - Avoiding Burglaries at the Burgin Car Park

Due to an increasing number of breaking into cars at the car park, travlers are advised to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables in them.

Ayalon-Canada Park – Closure of the Green Road

On Friday, November 24, the Green Road (Ayalon Trail) will be closed to vehicles, from the eastern entrance to the park to the Tel Akad Junction. Access to the lake will be possible from the road that goes down from the park's entrance directly to the lake.

Hadassah Trail - Forest Works

KKL-JNF forest works take place on the 1/2-kilometer section alongside the Hadassah Trail. The works include forest trimming and creation of a border between the hospital, the neighborhood and the forest. The works are expected to last one month, and warning signs have been posted. Travelers are asked to avoid using the trail, for their own safety.

Ben Shemen Forest – Buried Trash Cans

In the coming weeks, buried trash cans will be installed throughout the forest in order to keep te forest clean. Visitors are asked to stay away from work sites and avoid using the trash cans until further notice.

Adulam Park – Closure of the Hiding Tunnels in Horvat Atri

The hiding tunnels in Horvat Atri are closed throughout the winter due to flood hazard.

Ben-Shemen Forest - Path Closure

The path leading from the Maccabean Graves to Ne'ot Kdumim will be closed on February 1-2 and 5-6 from 6:30 to 16:00 due to tree planting events.

Shoham Community Forest - Closed for Vehicles

The Shoham Community Forest will be closed to vehicle traffic on February 3 due to a community events. Travel by foot will be allowed.