Escaping the Heat in Nahal Kziv

ISRAEL

JUNE 18, 2020 : In searching for a hike to do this week, I had three criteria – it should be up north (where we figured the weather would be cooler), it should be a loop (starting and ending at the same place), and it should be shady. Nahal Kziv seemed to be the perfect fit.

The hike is in the western Galilee, and starts on top of a mountain, near Mitzpe Hila. It winds its way down the mountain, past the Montfort Crusader fort, to the Kziv stream at the bottom. You then walk along the stream several kilometers, and then have a long, steep ascent back to Mitzpe Hila. The hike was supposed to be 9.1 kilometers and is considered moderately hard. Usually we do easier hikes and this was a bit scary for me (especially the climb back up at the end), but I am determined in my retirement to get out of my comfort zones, so I decided to give it a go. I can do this.

The hike was spectacular – we walked 10.5 kilometres in about 7 hours. The hike was shady, but it took over two hours of hiking in the sun to reach the shady part. The going was slow – downhill was hard because on many sections we were climbing down boulders in the midday sun. We met some families returning because they decided it was too hard to go all the way. Once we were in the shady part (about a kilometre after you start walking along the stream), the place was magical. Crystal clear running water, many boulders, tiny waterfalls, and lots of oak trees. The hike crossed the stream several times, and you needed to walk in the water, which was refreshingly cold. Fish in all sizes swim around you. The climb up was not as bad as I feared. It was shady for the whole way up and we rested several times along the way. Most of our six liters of water and food was gone by then, so the backpacks were lighter for the climb.

Before we left for the hike, I sent a WhatsApp to my kids, letting them know we were going hiking to Nahal Kziv, and if they do not hear from us by 7:00 pm they should worry. The hike did take much longer than expected, but a little before 7:00 I was able to text that we had arrived back to the car.

Parking lot near Mitzpe Hila at the start of the hike. We are not the only ones there. We drove almost two hours to reach the place. Time is noon.
The hike begins at the top of the mountain. In the distance you can see the Mediterranean Sea.
The walk starts deceptively easy. Along a wide gravel path.
The first part of the hike is in the Montfort National Park. We remembered that the last time we were near here was about 25 years ago. At that time, we took a donkey ride in the area. At one point, the donkey bolted and threw my young son off his back. The day ended in Nahariya hospital with Ari getting stitches.
The trail narrows and is full of boulders.
Some of the steeper parts had handrails. Thank goodness.
An hour into the hike we were high enough in the mountain to still have cell phone reception. Mark took a 1/2 hour break to participate in a phone meeting for work.
The views are stunning.
We finally reach the Montfort, a ruined Crusader castle. Amazing views all around.
From the Montfort, the walk down is easy and we finally reach the Kziv stream.
The first of many stream crossings.
For the first kilometre, the trail is alongside the stream, mostly sunny.
We alternate between walking on the trail and walking in the water.
Finally the path is mostly shade.
We continue hiking in and along the stream. The best part of the trip.
Before beginning the ascent is a particularly beautiful area – where the stream is surrounded by high cliffs.
We finally reach the sign to indicate the start of the climb back up to Mitzpe Hila.
The long and steep climb up.
As we get higher, we are rewarded with beautiful views.
Occasionally we spot a Katlav. Katlav is the Hebrew name of a striking, red-barked evergreen tree.
We finally reach the entrance the the Kziv Stream Nature Reserve at the other end – our exit.
Back at the parking lot. Most everyone else has already left. We made it. Tired and proud.

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