The Ma’aleh Gamla Nature Reserve is home to the country’s tallest waterfall, its largest eagle colony and a historical synagogue.
By MEITAL SHARABIMaaleh Gamla 370(photo credit: www.goisrael.com)
Summer is upon us, and although the majority of these hot days will likely be spent at the pool or the mall, it’s worth taking advantage of the season with a trip to the Ma’aleh Gamla Nature Reserve.Named after a cliff that looks like a camel’s hump, the nature reserve is about 2 kilometers from the Daliyot intersection and is home to the country’s tallest waterfall (51 meters high), its largest eagle colony and a historical synagogue, among other things. The Gamla and Daliyot rivers flow through it, and as a result it is teeming with trees.The path that ends at the Gamla Waterfall is, of course, the most popular one. It begins in the parking area and passes through a field containing 7,000 dolmens – large stone structures from more than 4,000 years ago that were apparently used as tombs.From there, if you continue until you reach the lookout post, there is an absolutely breathtaking view of the waterfall and the surrounding cliffs, where eagles nest in the canyon.Another way to reach the waterfall is via the eagle path, which leads to yet another viewpoint. This route takes about 30 minutes and is family-friendly.The eagles, however, don’t often congregate in this area, so if you do see one, consider yourself lucky.We took the dolmens path, which leads to ancient Gamla.Just after the Golan was returned to Israeli hands after the Six Day War, ruins of a densely built city were discovered on the hilltop along with a surrounding wall.Most of the ancient finds there exhibit Jewish symbols, and the first Jewish settlement in this location has been dated to the Hasmonean period.Gamla became famous mainly due to the brutal battle that took place there during the great rebellion against the Romans in the Second Temple period.According to the writings of Flavius Josephus, who was the head of the Jewish forces in the Galilee, the Gamla community succeeded in thwarting the Romans in their first attack, but in the end the Romans managed to breach the walls. Almost 10,000 people were slaughtered, some of them jumping to their deaths from the top of the cliff.The second path leading to the ancient city takes about two hours (round trip) and is suitable for experienced hikers. Start in the parking area and walk toward the lookout area from which you can view the entire nature reserve. Then follow the path to the ancient city. This part of the path involves a curvy and steep decline that takes about 20 minutes.All along the path you will notice metal signs with quotes from Josephus’s writings, some of which are quite chilling.At the bottom of the decline, continue along the flat path for a few minutes. Just before you reach the entrance to the ruins, you will notice the display of weapons and catapults that the Roman army used during the siege, alongside explanations of their use.From there, the path continues to the place where the city was breached. In the city you can see the homes, the synagogue and the mikve (“ritual bath”). In the center you will find the remains of the residential district as well as the round tower that overlooks the wall.This hike is highly recommended, but take into consideration the weather conditions and the fact that the hike back up to the parking area can be quite strenuous. In addition, the path is not wellshaded, so it is imperative to bring plenty of water along.Translated by Hannah Hochmn
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