The details

By JACOB SOLOMON
v Start and finish (both routes): Visitors' center, Yehudiya and Zavitan National Parks (04-682-2282). Take the Lake Kinneret circular road (87, 92) to Yehudiya junction, on its northeast edge. Follow Route 87 northeast for 6 km. to the Yehudiya parking lot and visitors' center, on the left-hand side. Those without private transport should consider a taxi from Tiberias. v Length: 9 km. (full trail); 4 km. (shorter trail). v Recommended seasons: All year, except after heavy rainfall. Phone the visitors' center before setting out. v Entrance fee: NIS 20 per adult, NIS 9 per child, NIS 10 for seniors. v Level of difficulty: Challenging, though quite reasonable if not rushed. For swimmers (minimum 200 meters) and good hikers only. Not for all-terrain vehicles or mountain bikes. Suitable for the fit and well-shod, age nine and up. v Estimated walking time: 8 hours (full trail), 4-5 hours (shorter trail), including reasonable breaks. v Map: Scale 1:50,000, Map 1 (Golan and Hermon). v Bring: Three to four liters of water per person (do not drink stream water), a hat (for protection from sun), sunscreen and sturdy shoes with grips for walking. Pack all items sensitive to water in sealed containers. Keep your backpack light enough to swim with. Carry a compass, mobile phone, first aid kit, penknife and flashlight. Mobile phone reception not available for most of the route. v Water: Available at the start/finish of the walk.