For a memorable family picnic amidst nature, explore KKL-JNF sites from north to south, featuring natural springs, picnic spots, barbecues, and hiking trails.
Eli Yedid, Leisure and Recreation Manager at KKL-JNF, emphasized, "We at KKL-JNF are preparing for the hundreds of thousands of travelers and families who will visit the various picnic and camp sites in KKL-JNF forests across the country on Independence Day." We want to remind the public that fires should not be lit in the forest except in the designated spots. Furthermore, in our designated parking lots, there are barbecues (shades), and in some of the parking lots, there are surfaces on which you are welcome to place your barbecue. And most importantly, don't forget to leave nature clean after recreation."
Northern Region:
Through the forest landscape of Beit Keshet
Along the Beit Keshet Forest and Churchill Forest, there is a scenic road spanning about 19 km. Along the way, the KKL-JNF has installed several parking lots.
Forester's House parking lot – A large parking lot with picnic tables, some of which are accessible. From the parking lot, a short path leads down to the Forester's House.
The Great Oak parking Lot – A large parking lot with picnic tables, some of which are accessible. From the parking lot, there is a trekking trail—a hiking path that winds through impressive stone rocks.
How to get there:
● From the gate of the Shimshon military base, located approximately 2 km west of Golani Junction.
● From the access road to Kibbutz Beit Keshet (Waze: Rainbow House Forest).
Hof HaCarmel Forest
There are two parking lots that are well-kept parking areas located near trails with spectacular views.
The first parking lot – accessible from the old coastal road (Route 4, between Km 182-183 markers). Turn east towards the Meirav Center. Before entering the center, turn left, go up the road, and connect with the scenic road.
The second parking lot – can be accessed from the old coastal road (Route 4). Turn east at Ofer Junction onto the access road to Moshav Kerem Maharal (Route 7021). Drive two kilometers, and before reaching the Moshav, turn north (left) following the sign directing to the scenic road (marked in green). The road is comfortable and suitable for any vehicle.
Lavi Forest
Lavi Forest is located next to the Golani interchange. The forest features several parking lots, children's playground facilities, water fountains, and picnic tables, including accessible tables.
How to get there: If you're coming from Afula and heading north towards Tiberias, enter the "Delek" gas station (Waze: Lavi Forest).
Mountain Region
U.S. Independence Park
Independence Park, covering 30,000 dunams in the southwestern Jerusalem Hills, was created by the KKL-JNF in 1976 to mark the American bicentennial. It features picnic spots, recreational areas, and scenic viewpoints offering stunning views of the Jerusalem Mountains and nearby lowlands. Visitors can explore trails leading to lookout points, springs, groves, and historic sites.
How to get there:
Western entrance gate - For those traveling from Beit Shemesh, take Route 3855 to Mahsiya Junction, then turn east onto Route 3866 and ascend Mount Yaala.
Eastern entrance gate - From the Ein Kerem neighborhood, head to Kerem junction, then take Route 386 along Nahal Sorek until you reach the junction with Road 3866 near Bar Giora.
Southern entrance gate – From Hala junction, take Route 375 towards Tzur Hadassah and Bar Giora. Alternatively, drive from Emek Ella towards Beit Shemesh (Route 3855) to reach the western entrance gate.
Aminadav Forest
Embark on a holiday adventure at Aminadav Forest, nestled on the Shlemon-Sorek ridge near Jerusalem. Spanning 7,000 dunams, its Jerusalem's largest open area, offering recreational facilities, hiking trails, and accessible paths near Horvat Sa'adim. Discover historic sites like stratum springs and ancient terraces, with remnants of the past scattered throughout.
How to get there:
For visitors coming from Jerusalem, proceed past Mount Herzl and take the access road to Ein Kerem. Turn left at the intersection leading to Moshavim Ora and Aminadav. Yad Kennedy is situated approximately 500 meters west of Moshav Aminadav. Please note that the Yad Kennedy site is closed for renovations, but the forest remains open to visitors.
For those arriving from Tel Aviv, turn west (right) at the Harel interchange from the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem Road (Route 1). Continue driving to Hastaf Square and then proceed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital. From there, follow the route to the entrance of Moshav Ora.
Jerusalem Forest
Discover Jerusalem Forest, a green haven west of the city, blending nature and history for holiday adventurers. Wander its paths, encounter cedar trees, ancient terraces, and hidden caves. With recreational spots and community involvement, it's a cherished escape for all.
Jerusalem Forest entrances:
● Beit Zeit Road: Access via the road to Moshav Beit Zayit, just before entering the moshav, leading to the Ottawa route.
● Givat Shaul Industrial Zone: Take Yosef Weitz Road from the printing road near Angel's Bakery, passing through Nahal Ravida.
● Yad Vashem: Access from Memorial Road leading to Yad Vashem.
● Yefe Nof neighborhood: Pedestrian and cyclist entrance via Farhi Chen Street, off Yefe Nof Street.
● Har Nof neighborhood: Access from Rabbi Hezekiah Rabin Street (except on Shabbat).
Britannia Park
Explore Britannia Park in the heart of the Judean Lowlands, boasting stunning views, lush forests, and a rich history. Spanning 40,000 dunams, it's a top destination for nature lovers and travelers. Thanks to the generosity of British Jewry, KKL-JNF has transformed it into a beloved spot, strengthening ties with the global Jewish community. Enjoy designated hiker parking lots throughout the park, perfect for picnics and hikes to Tel Azzaka, Horvat Shekelon, and Mitzpe Massuah.
How to get there:
The primary access points to the park include:
● Northern entrance gate - Access from Route 383, near the Km 17 marker, approximately 1.4 km west of Tel Azqa junction.
● Sarigim parking lot - Entry from Route 353.
● Mitzpe Massuah - Entrance from Highway 38, close to the Km 7 marker, roughly half a kilometer south of Sarigim Junction.
South:
Ofakim Park
Ofakim Forest, spanning 500 dunams on the city's outskirts, offers accessible amenities and scenic roads to attractions like Hammer Fortress. Planted by KKL-JNF in 1978, it's part of the ongoing Heart of the Park project, transforming it into a vibrant leisure hub.
Central Parking:
Enter the park to discover a grove of resilient ashel trees welcoming visitors. Just a short 300-meter drive along the paved road leads to the central parking lot, flanking both sides.
How to Get There:
From Be'er Sheva, take Route 25 to Gilat Junction, then head west on Route 241 towards Ofakim. Once in Ofakim, drive south on the main street and follow signs to the park at the city's outskirts.
Travelers from Tel Aviv can reach the park by driving to Yad Mordechai Junction, then through Sderot and Netivot on Route 34 and Route 25 to Gilat Junction.
Nahal Gerer Chain Park
Gerer River Chain Park is a green haven in the western Negev, featuring scenic roads, bike paths, and recreational areas developed by the KKL-JNF. North of the stream, enjoy panoramic views at the Tel Haror historical site. Explore the 10-kilometer scenic roads, leading to attractions like the railway bridge and Tel Haror lookout, marked with blue arrows.
How to get there:
The entrance to the forest is from Route 25, between Netivot Junction and Gilat Junction, opposite the entrance to Moshav Tidhar, between Kilometer Markers 205 and 206