New Jersey Park at Har HaRuach

Getting There: Drive 1.5 kilometers towards Abu Ghosh (west). Turn right towards Nataf, following the signs. Continue for 1 kilometer and turn left towards Har HaRuach. From here, the road is marked in blue. This is a good dirt road suitable for any vehicle, as well as for cycling and – of course – walking. Along the way are several small rest areas that the JNF has outfitted with tables and playground equipment. Continue west along the blue-marked dirt road to New Jersey Park, which includes an observation deck overlooking Nahal Yitla and the Ayalon Valley. Further along, the blue-marked road takes you to a grove of carob trees and, below them, a few more picnic tables.

When You’re Here: Hiking enthusiasts can follow a green-marked trail from the New Jersey Park observation deck. It will take you on a one-kilometer circular route (parallel to and south of the blue-marked dirt road). The route passes through orchards and leads to another observation deck, from which you can admire the Judean Mountains, Nataf, the Modiin area, and the foothills. Nearby is an ancient cistern with a nearby bench for resting. From there, continue along the green-marked trail and turn right (east) back onto the blue-marked dirt road. Walk about 700 meters and you will be back at the rest area where you started.