Golan Trail: route guide

The trail crosses the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights from the Mount Hermon payment stations in the far north to route 98 near Ein Tewfik, above the Sea of Galilee, in the south. It stays in the eastern part of the Heights, so it misses the western springs and steppes.

Most of the route also works for cycling and horseback riding. The path is never far from roads and settlements, which is why section hiking is realistic: you can leave the trail at several junctions and return by car or bus.

Navigation is by trail markers, not by a single continuous signposted road. The Golan Trail mark is painted on posts and rocks; carry a paper map or offline map and follow the marks rather than shortcuts, because some off-trail ground is closed or unsafe.

The classic direction is north to south. The Heights slope southwards, so the overall trend is downhill, but volcanic mounds and canyons interrupt it with short, sharp climbs. The tallest mound on the route, Mount Bental, adds roughly 200 m above the surrounding land.

The canyons are the highlight for many walkers: streams cut west toward the Hulla Valley, and the trail drops into some of them to reach water basins and ponds. These are the tough ascents and descents of the route. Budget more time than the distance suggests.

Military history shapes the route. The Golan Heights were taken from Syria in 1967 and annexed by Israel in 1981, a move not endorsed by the UN. Minefields and closed security areas reduce the accessible ground, so the trail passes abandoned outposts and memorial sites rather than the western springs. Stay on the marked path.

Spring is the strongest window: mild weather, green fields and blooming flowers. Autumn also works well for temperature. Summer and winter are possible but less pleasant, with heatwaves in summer and rain in winter.

Winter brings a specific traffic problem at the northern end. The road up Mount Hermon can jam badly on winter weekends, so reach it before 05:00 if you are driving. Snow and rain can also make the higher sections cold and slippery.

Water is the limiting factor in the warm months. A few drinking water taps have been installed along the route, but the campsites have no running water. Carry more than you think you need and refill at every tap you pass.

The Golan Tourism Association set up campsites and information stations along the trail. As of January 2015 there are information stations along the entire route. The campsites are basic: a large clearing and some wind shelters, with no running water or other amenities.

That means you camp, or you sleep in settlements and rejoin the trail each day. Because the path is accessible by car and public transport, a base in one of the Golan settlements and day sections is a practical option if you do not want to carry camping gear.

Trail angels, local volunteers who help hikers, sometimes offer rides or a place to stay. Ask on the trail's Facebook page, where questions in English are answered in English.

Northern end: by car, drive to the northern end of route 98 near Majdall Shams and Neve Ativ; junctions in the area are signposted to Mount Hermon. By bus, line 58 (Golan Lines) from Qiryat Shemona reaches Majdall Shams or Neve Ativ only a few times a day. On foot, climb the road from Majdall Shams or follow the red dirt road from Neve Ativ cemetery, a few hours to the trailhead.

Southern end: by car, take route 90 to Zemach junction at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, turn east onto route 92, which becomes 98, and climb to Hammat Gadder. Near the top, around kilometre-post 11, a gravel clearing on the left carries the Golan Trail mark on a roadsign pole.

The northern approach crosses a military zone. Do not deviate from the path, and note that entry is generally allowed only on Sabbath, from Friday evening to Saturday evening, though it is often safe the rest of the week.

This is a self-supported hike. There is no luggage transfer and no booking system for the campsites. Carry a tent or shelter, food for the days between resupply points, and enough water for the driest stretch.

Minefields and closed security areas are real constraints, not warnings for other people. Follow the trail marks, do not cut across open ground, and do not enter fenced or signposted areas. The trail passes abandoned outposts and memorial sites; treat them with care.

The trail is not technically hard, but it has rough ascents and descents in the canyons. Broken-in shoes, a paper or offline map, and a plan for where you can leave the trail are the basics. An English-language trail guide published in 2019 exists; check availability before you rely on it.