Routes and Rates
A slightly challenging hiking trail up one of the valleys of the Carmel – Nahal Sfonim. This trail combines walking through dense Mediterranean forest among rocks and dry waterfalls until reaching the Sfonim Cave, a large and illuminated prehistoric cave surrounded by rock hyraxes and home to a population of bats. Those who choose to take the longer circular route will ascend to the Magdim Cliff, from which impressive views of the green Carmel slopes and the blue sea before us can be seen.
From the parking lot, we will walk along a dirt road on the northern side of Nahal Mitla, along a row of planted cypress trees. After about 400 m, we will cross a cattle fence. Once we pass through the fence, we will find ourselves at a junction of marked trails: the trail marked in red (red-white-red stripes) will take us up Nahal Sfonim to the Sfonim Cave. Those who choose the shorter and easier version of the trail will also return the same way. In contrast, those who choose to extend the route can continue from the Sfonim Cave along the trail marked in blue (blue-white-blue stripes) towards Magdim Cliff and then descend until the end of the trail right here at the junction of the trails where we are currently standing.
We will start ascending along the red trail up the stream (which is a seasonal stream) and pass close to an abandoned quarry. If we are lucky, we might spot rock hyraxes in the stone scree at the foot of the quarry. Further on, we reach a beautiful cliff – the Sfonim Terrace. Prehistoric findings from the prehistoric man period were discovered at this site. After another walk, the stream splits into two streams – Nahal Mitla and Nahal Sfonim. We will continue up Nahal Sfonim following the red markings within a pleasant shaded forest, occasionally overcoming challenging rocky waterfalls in the dense forest.
After about a kilometer and a half, we will arrive at the Sfonim Cave, nestled among large rocks, which is where it got its name. A large green sign stands next to the cave, drawing attention to its location. This large cave was researched by archaeologists who found prehistoric remains and evidence that prehistoric humans inhabited this cave from 60,000 years ago until a few thousand years ago.
Most of the cave is illuminated, but to explore its hidden corners (which are 40 m deep), we will use a flashlight to light our way. During our exploration of the cave, we will find stalactites, most of which are dry today, and an active bat colony that has made its home on the cave’s ceiling. It is important not to disturb the bats or shine the flashlight on them. During the winter, the bats enter hibernation, and therefore the cave is closed to visitors between November and March to prevent disturbance.
After visiting the cave, we have the choice at this stage to either retrace our steps and return the way we came, or if we chose to take the longer circular route, we will continue a short distance according to the red markings until we reach the red-blue trail junction, from where we will turn in the direction of the blue marking (the continuation of the red trail is a long route for experienced hikers, towards Tirat Carmel).
After climbing a number of rock steps, a stunning view of the Sfonim stream canyon enveloped in green forest will open before us. Along the way, we will cross Nahal Mitla, and the trail now passes through open, rocky terrain that is more challenging to walk, but from time to time we will pass through shaded spots that allow for rest and refreshment. We will continue along the ridge and reach Magdim Cliff from which we can admire the impressive views and identify from different viewpoints Haifa, Zichron Yaakov, and the chimneys of the power station in Hadera. From here we will descend around the cliff, where in the distance we can spot the Atlit fortress against the backdrop of the blue sea. Further along the way (next to a power pole), we will encounter a wine press carved into the rock, which was used for wine production during the Byzantine period, and a short distance from it, an olive oil press, also carved into the rock, which was used in its time for making oil from olives. From here we will continue until we return to the red-blue trail junction, and here we will conclude our hike.
Difficulty level:
The short trail (marked in red) is a linear round trip trail of medium difficulty, mostly shaded and suitable for hot days.
The long trail (combined with the blue marking) is a circular trail that includes sections of exposure to the sun and rocky terrain that is not easy to walk. Therefore, it is less recommended in the summer and less suitable for families with small children or for hikers who are not experienced.
Walking duration:
Between 3-5 hours depending on the route we choose, including the visit to the Sfonim Cave. The length of the short route is about 3 km and the circular one is about 4 km.
Directions:
We will leave from the Carmel Tunnels westward and continue along the coastal road until the Atlit interchange. At the Atlit interchange, we will turn onto Road 721 eastward until the Atlit junction. We will turn left onto Road 4, passing the Oren junction and the entrance to the Migdim moshav. From here we will measure 1.3 km until we see the 194 km marker, here we will cross Nahal Sfonim (Nahal Mitla). Here we can find parking spots. The red marking at the beginning of the trail is located a few dozen meters south of the parking lot.
It is recommended to come this way and not from Road 4 southward, as parking is only possible in the northbound lane.
*The information is provided as a public service; the details mentioned in the article may change from time to time.