Nesher Park and its suspension bridges near Haifa
Nesher Park on the northeastern slopes of Mount Carmel in the town of Nesher near Haifa is a scenic destination well-known for its two suspension bridges and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Two walks are described. One is an easy walk to the bridges on a concrete path, and the other is a magical, slightly longer and minimally difficult hike to the bridges via the Katia Stream gully.
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Directions: Enter “Nesher Park” into Waze and click on “Nesher Park suspension bridge.” There is a free parking lot at the entrance to the park.
Admission: There is no admission charge for the park, which is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is advisable to arrive early on weekends and holidays as the park can get crowded. Below the parking lot is a play area with climbing equipment and some picnic tables. Shortly after the beginning of the direct trail on the concrete path is a building markedפיצה (pizza) that contains restrooms and a store selling hot and cold drinks, ice-cream, and fast food, including hamburgers and pizza. There is a nearby shaded picnic area.
Public transport: Enter “Nesher Park Suspension Bridges” into Moovit. The bus stop is only a short distance from the park.
SHORTER DIRECT WALK:
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Time: About an hour there and back
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Distance: Just over 2 km there and back
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Type of walk: Same-way there and back
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The walk is on a concrete path which is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Crossing the bridges is minimally difficult, since the bridges sag and mild climbing is involved. There are metal bars on the bridge to maintain one’s balance, but these are slightly slippery. Alternatively, you can view the bridges without crossing them.
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From the parking lot, continue along the scenic black-marked concrete path and past the food establishment until you come to the first bridge. There are benches along the trail. If you wish, you can cross the bridge and then return to its beginning.
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Continue to the second bridge. After crossing this bridge return to your car the way you came.
LONGER HIKE VIA THE KATIA STREAM GULLY
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Distance: 2½ km
Type of hike: Circular
Difficulty: This trail is minimally difficult in some places as one is descending on bare rock. However, none are challenging or dangerous. Walking poles can be helpful, but are not essential.
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From the parking lot, descend on the green-marked trail to the wadi. You will pass children’s play equipment and picnic benches, many of them shaded. You will also come to a menorah, dedicated to the memory of Lt. Uri Binamo, who prevented two suicide bombers from entering Israel with his body. Throughout the trail are signs with information about chameleons (in Hebrew), as these reptiles were of particular interest to him.
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You will come to an optional blue-marked trail. This goes a bit further down the valley and passes prehistoric caves before joining up with the green-marked trail.
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When you meet the black-marked trail you have a choice. You can either continue on the green-marked trail to the first bridge. You will pass an overlook as you ascend. When you arrive at the first bridge, cross it, and then turn left on the concrete path to the far bridge. Return to your car via the concrete path. Alternatively, and this is recommended, continue on the black-marked trail through the valley and this will take you to the concrete path by the far bridge. You can cross this bridge for the experience and then return to the concrete path. Turn right to the first bridge and also cross this bridge for the experience. Return to your car by the concrete path.
Map of the park
The trail has almost a magical feel with its alternating shade and sunlight
Play equipment at the beginning of the green-marked trail
The ascent to the suspension bridge on the green-marked trail
Links to the best family activities, hikes and historic sites in the GOLAN, EASTERN GALILEE, UPPER GALILEE, LOWER GALILEE, JORDAN VALLEY & LAKE KINNERET, the SHEFELAH, TEL AVIV-YAFFO and surroundings, NORTH of TEL AVIV, and SOUTH of TEL AVIV.