Yaar Ben Shemen – Trails, Attractions for the Whole Family, and Archaeology

All information about Ben Shemen Forest – routes, attractions for the whole family, and archaeology Ben Shemen Forest – all the routes and information in this article: Ben Shemen Forest, in brief Ben Shemen Forest – how to get there? Ben Shemen Forest – routes Ben Shemen Forest – attractions Ben Shemen Forest – when is it recommended to go? 🎧 There's also a great podcast about Ben Shemen Forest! Listen >> Ben Shemen Forest, in brief Ben Shemen Forest didn't become a perfect destination just by chance for walking, driving (private cars or 4X4), and cycling—or as a picnic site. It has scenic roads, trails, well-organized parking lots with accessible picnic tables, playground facilities, historic sites, viewpoints, a monkey park, endless open spaces, and even a special route and parking area for people with visual impairments. Spreading over a vast area of about 30,000 dunams, you'll find Ben Shemen Forest between the Ben Shemen interchange and Modi'in, on both sides of Highway 443. Due to the forest's size, it has eight entrance gates. And how did all this beauty begin? Thanks to the instincts of Eliyahu Spier and Yehoshua Hankin, who already in 1904 located the lands of Beit Arif—its olive groves. After a year, the land was purchased for Jewish property. Two more years passed, and in 1907, the KKL (JNF) acquired the area and planted it with olive groves. It wasn't long before Nachum Weilbosh set up a plant for producing olive oil. Future plans were cut short by a fire that burned the oil-press building in 1915. And that wasn't the end of the story—locust plagues and problems during World War I destroyed almost all the olive groves. So what's left, you ask? Only the name: Ben Shemen. In the following years, the KKL planted many trees, mainly cypress, pine, and eucalyptus. Efforts to establish settlements happened constantly, but most were abandoned or destroyed during World War I and the War of Independence. After the establishment of the state, the KKL continued planting trees, new roads were opened, and in the 1960s it built Tzofe Modiin and the nearby amphitheater. Over time, additional communities were established around Ben Shemen Forest. The main forest road marked in green runs along about 16 km and crosses the forest along its entire length. From Tel Hadid through Tzofe Modiin and the Tombs of the Maccabees to Shilat, you'll find many attractions that offer interest for every age. In short—Ben Shemen Forest isn't meant only for picnics. A family hiking in Ben Shemen Forest | Photo: Yossi Zelig_er, KKL photo archive Ben Shemen Forest – how to get there? Ben Shemen Forest has eight entrance gates—three of them on Highway 443, which is considered the forest's main entrance. For those arriving from Highway 1 (Jerusalem – Tel Aviv), at the Ben Shemen interchange turn east onto Highway 443 toward Modi'in, where you'll find the Modiin Viewpoint gate, between kilometer markers 6–7; the Kadumon gate, between kilometer markers 9–10; and the Tombs of the Maccabees gate, between kilometer markers 12–13. For those arriving from the north, it's recommended to take Highway 6 until the right turn at the Ben Shemen interchange onto Highway 444 toward the Tel Hadid gate, between kilometer markers 5–6. Another option is to turn left from Highway 444 onto Highway 443 and continue until the right turn to the Modiin Viewpoint. If coming from Jerusalem, drive on Highway 443 toward Ben Shemen until you reach the city of Modi'in. After you pass Modi'in, turn left to the Modiin Viewpoint. For those coming from Highway 4466, there is an entrance at the Mattityahu gate, located near Shilat. For those coming from Highway 4314, located about half a kilometer south of Highway 443, there is an entrance at the Herzl Forest gate. The two additional entrances are: the Beqaat HaNezirim gate on Rikhs Boulevard, Modi'in, and the Ligad gate from the main avenue of Ligad Center in Modi'in. Ben Shemen Forest – routes Cycling enthusiasts? In Ben Shemen Forest you'll find three cycling routes: Herzl Singletrack (blue), Hadid Singletrack (green), and Enba Singletrack (red). Herzl Singletrack (Brutya Singletrack): A circular route marked in blue, spanning about 10.5 km and suitable for all riding levels. You start at the Modiin Viewpoint, pass through pine and eucalyptus plots, turn west, and ride to the Mexico parking lot. After turning right onto the exit road from the forest, you return along the route by the fence, with south in front of you. The route continues through the forest until crossing the main axis along a stream and a major intersection. After crossing the stream, you can return to the Modiin Viewpoint via the blue trail—left turn and north—or continue on the asphalt road to the Modiin Viewpoint. Riding direction: counterclockwise Cumulative ascent: 250 meters Cumulative descent: 250 meters This is how fun the Herzl Singletrack looks: Enba Singletrack: A circular route marked in red, spanning about 24 km and suitable for riders with medium difficulty. Since the access to the trail comes from the middle of the forest, the connection to the route starts with the Herzl Singletrack at the Modiin Viewpoint. The change comes when the path turns south toward the Shaki parking lot. From there, continue to the Horses parking lot and climb to Tel Gemzo for a spectacular viewpoint that also allows for a break. The ride continues through open areas to the younger part of the Modiin Forest. Continue riding south in the direction of the older Modiin Forest until Khirbet Beit Enba. Keep riding north-east, cross the Enba Stream and two ancient Sid kilns, and climb to Khirbet Regav—one of the highest points on the route, providing you with an impressive view of the area. Continue toward Ligad Center in Modi'in, climb along the trail to Khirbet Zekharya, then descend into the Beqaat HaNezirim and the Nezirim caves. The trail turns west along the Gemzo Stream, and the return north to the Modiin Viewpoint is uphill, passing the Thai pagoda. Riding direction: counterclockwise Cumulative ascent: 460 meters Cumulative descent: 460 meters This is what riding looks like in the middle of the week: Hadid Singletrack: A circular route marked in green, spanning about 11 km and suitable for riders with medium difficulty. The route connects to the other two singletracks and makes good use of the terrain conditions so you can enjoy a challenging ride. This route, too, starts at the entrance area of the Modiin Viewpoint, but it turns east and immediately begins with an uphill trend until reaching the top of the hill. Now comes a descent along 1,200 meters through landscapes, trees, and a blooming field of cyclamen that usually happens in February. What comes after the descent? Another ascent—this time through long quarries. Again, a long descent, passing between stone terraces. The continuation will lead you around Tel Hadid. At first with a small climb, and then with jumps between old olive trees and forest trees. Continue circling the hill to the south toward the next climb point, a hill close to the ruins. After you pass a building of a round water pool, you'll see a huge tree with picnic tables in its shade. This is the Sabi (carob) parking lot, suitable for a rest and catching your breath before returning to the trail. The continuation is again downhill. If you're here at the beginning of winter, you'll likely see cyclamen blossoms (rapod). The continuation is again an ascent within the forest, until you reach open land that blossoms in spring. A little more pedaling and you arrive back at the starting point. You can also access the Hadid Singletrack from the entrance area of the Maintenance Corps Memorial. Riding direction: counterclockwise Cumulative ascent: 200 meters Cumulative descent: 200 meters Ready to set out on the Hadid Singletrack? Not only cyclists can enjoy the beauty of nature. Across Ben Shemen Forest there are also walking routes. One of them follows the Tombs of the Maccabees: a light walk of about 3 km among the forest trees. You don't need to wait for Hanukkah to discover the ancient sites, the landscapes, and the stories of battles. The route begins in the Valley of the Monks, continues to the viewpoint above Beit Horon, from there to the Hasmonean village, and ends at the Tombs of the Maccabees. For more information about the Maccabees trail " Ben Shemen Forest – routes among the Tombs of the Maccabees | Photo: Yochai Koren Additional walking route Another walking route starts from the Anah Nachum parking lot and leads to the Ancient Sabi parking lot. Cyclists and 4X4 vehicle owners can also enjoy the trail—about 1.5 km each way. You walk on a black-marked dirt road, continuing west along the side of the forest, as olive trees accompany you until the Melnik family parking lot. Continue another 200 meters, to the edge of the olive grove. At the intersection, turn left with the black marking and the signage guiding you to the Ancient Sabi parking lot. Walking down a gentle slope, between Israeli oleaster bushes and carob trees, will bring you to the top of a low hill and the Ancient Sabi tree. Now all that remains is to descend down the hill—directly to one of the four picnic tables under the shade of the three-armed tree. This is still not the big and ancient tree. To reach it, continue with the green singletrack marking to the west. After about 80 meters, the path curves left. Walk another 200 meters along a wide dirt path under the second high-power transmission line, until you reach the big carob tree. Ben Shemen Forest – attractions More experiences you can pick up while driving between the attractions. You don't have to come to Ben Shemen Forest with children just for this. Just get to know the great points of interest. It's worth getting out of the car at each location—take in the sights, take photos, stroll around, and return to the car for the next stop. Tzofe Modiin One of the most identifiable sites in Ben Shemen Forest is right at the entrance for those arriving from the Ben Shemen interchange. This is Tzofe Modiin, which also has parking. At 171 meters above sea level, you'll find a special observation tower—why? Because it's designed like a burning torch, as a symbol of the Hasmonean rebellion. If you go down the slope, you reach an open-air theatre. From here, the singletracks depart for cyclists. The facilities here are open every day of the week from 8:00–16:00. Tzofe Modiin | Photo: Yossi Zamir, KKL photo archive The Thai pagoda You'll easily recognize the Thai pagoda building thanks to distinctive symbols of Thai tradition that are sacred. And how did it get here? In honor of the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel and 50 years since the accession of the Thai king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Thai people presented this pavilion as a gift to the people of Israel. Entry into the building is for groups only, and by advance coordination. Thai pagoda | Photo: Malka Barka'i, KKL photo archive On the Electricity Road – a special place for children One of Ben Shemen Forest's magical spots is deep within the forest, along the Electricity Road. The story of the road began in 1990, when the Electric Company had to relocate a power line right through the heart of the forest. The KKL didn't panic and decided to turn the metal pieces into art. How? Rocks uprooted from their places to clear land for the power lines were turned into a half-arch wall, guiding visitors to the Stone Garden. The site was also enhanced with play facilities, an observation area, a lookout post, and picnic parking lots. But the biggest highlight of the place is the 12 environmental sculptures located within the garden area—created by 12 talented sculptors on site within five days. Each sculpture has its own character, including a bird, insects, a trough, the Forest Guard 2, a sphinx, and a nature counter. The names of the works and explanations about them can be read on a sign placed near each sculpture. How do you get to the Electricity Road? From the Tzofe Modiin parking lot, drive south along the paved road. Pass the observation tower and continue until the first intersection, where you turn left onto a dirt road. Pass the Thai pagoda and continue straight until you reach an intersection. Turn right and continue following the signs to the Electricity Road. Tzvi Lerman sculpture, sphinx, along the Electricity Road | Photo: Yaakov Shkolnik, KKL photo archive Trail for people with visual impairments People with visual impairments are invited to walk along about 500 meters on the specially built accessible trail. How? On the left side of the trail there is a chain handrail, allowing them to hold on and follow the route. The trail itself is well compacted and bordered with curb stones. In addition, at important stations along the route there are signs with explanations in Hebrew and English in Braille, as well as tactile drawings. How do you get to the trail for people with visual impairments? At the end of the Electricity Road, turn right onto a dirt road, with an avocado plantation fence accompanying you. After about half a kilometer, you'll reach a major intersection with parking. Turn left and drive another 200 meters to the entrance to the trail. Trail for people with visual impairments | Photo: Yaakov Shkolnik, KKL photo archive Tel Hadid A breathtaking landscape viewpoint, a grove of carob trees with picnic tables, the Maintenance Corps memorial, and olive groves—all characterize Tel Hadid in Ben Shemen Forest. For more information about Tel Hadid " Ben Shemen Forest attractions | Photo: onzd How brave can a bee be? Listen and find out: Monkey Park Ben Shemen Forest – Monkey Park The Monkey Park is home to monkeys that were neglected and lived in harsh conditions. Not all areas of the rescue sanctuary are open to visitors, but in the sections that are, you can take tours, learn about the center's work to save the monkeys, and of course meet some of the monkeys. For more information about the Monkey Park " Ben Shemen Forest – when is it recommended to go? Ben Shemen Forest is suitable for leisure all year round. In summer months, it's recommended to arrive in the early morning hours, before the mid-day heat. Did you know that the Israel National Trail also passes through Ben Shemen Forest? Watch what happens when Luni Plag reaches Ben Shemen Forest during a hike on the Israel Trail, in the segment from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: