Discover Karkom: Views, hiking trails and hotels

Karkom combines viewpoints with natural and cultural attractions in the surrounding area. When planning a stay, you can choose between views across the landscape, walks by the water and archaeological sites. Some places are right at the entrance to the destination, while others are in the nearby or wider area; these distinctions help you understand how the excursions are situated.

Views at the entrance and landscapes further afield

At the entrance to Karkom, the Mitzpeh Segev viewpoint offers views of the Sea of Galilee and the Beit-Tsaida Valley. Two specific sights are in focus: the lake and the valley. If you are planning a trip with an emphasis on scenery, you can distinguish this viewpoint from hiking trails and historic sites.

In the wider region, Park Hayarden Nature Reserve stretches across the only section of the Jordan River that has retained its natural character and landscape. Here, the focus is on the distinctive description of a stretch of river—a different aspect of the landscape from the view from Mitzpeh Segev.

Hiking trails and water at Nahal Meshushim

Nahal Meshushim is about a 30-minute drive from Karkom and offers hiking routes for different fitness levels. A circular trail passes several viewpoints from which you can look out over the pools of Nahal Meshushim and the surrounding area. Its circular route and viewpoints give this trail a different focus from a route connecting two river valleys. Check current trail conditions before your visit.

Nahal Meshushim also has a large pool where you can swim. As conditions and access may vary, it is advisable to check both before your visit. Another option is a difficult hiking trail connecting Nahal Meshushim with Nahal Zavitan, suitable for experienced hikers. The routes described therefore differ in their layout and level of difficulty: one is a circular trail with viewpoints, while the other connects two nahals and is rated difficult.

Ancient traces in the surrounding area

Near Karkom are the ruins of the ancient city of Gamla, as well as an ancient synagogue, an oil press and houses from the Hasmonean period. These different remains offer a range of themes: city history, religious architecture, olive oil production and daily life. If you are interested in the cultural history of the area, you can explore these traces as a distinct focus alongside nature and hiking destinations.

Archaeological sites in the wider North District destination

The wider North District destination includes further archaeological sites such as Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo. At Tel Hazor, the visit focuses on the Upper City. Solomon’s Gate, with six chambers and two towers, dates to the 10th century BCE. A Canaanite palace was used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE; the Late Bronze Age palace is considered the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most important in the Levant.

Tel Hazor also preserves significant remains of an underground water-collection system, an engineering achievement adapted to the geographical conditions. The water system has steps three metres wide carved into the walls of a vertical shaft. An excavated shaft at Tel Hazor is 45 metres deep. Alongside its buildings, these features give the site a distinct focus on water collection and technology.

Tel Megiddo is a biblical tell with significant remains of a city connected to biblical references. It is one of three tells that preserve such remains and are closely associated with events in the Bible. The Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of religious activity and the documented ritual practices. The orthogonal city plan from the Iron Age is also remarkable: it has few parallels in the Levant.

Discover more destinations: Netiv Hashayara, Beit Rimon, H̱aluẕ, Lavon, Kafr Kanna, Kfar Kama, Nazareth Iliit, Yiftaẖ

Go to the wider travel overview: North District.