Discover Arad: Trails and history in the surrounding area

When looking for a hotel in Arad, the activities you have planned can be a helpful guide. The trails differ considerably: one is a 6.5-kilometer loop, while another climbs from eastern Arad to the Moav Lookout. There is also a workshop in Nahal Kidod, north of Arad, and the nearby citadel in Tel Arad National Park. This lets you plan your trip around specific interests, such as different trail routes, topics related to desert life, or archaeological history.

Trails and activities near Arad

The Nahal Tze’elim Trail is a 6.5-kilometer loop. It starts and ends opposite the Artists’ Quarter at Arad’s western entrance, on the other side of Highway 31. Its loop format and stated length give you two clear points of reference when planning this route.

The Nahal Kidod Trail starts near the lower houses of the Rotem neighborhood in eastern Arad. From there, it passes water cisterns, reservoirs, and water channels, then climbs along a winding camel path to the Moav Lookout. By comparison, the Nahal Tze’elim Trail is defined by its length and loop route, while the Nahal Kidod Trail is characterized by its ascent and the water features mentioned. These descriptions offer different points of reference for choosing a trail based on its route.

The name Nahal Kidod also appears in connection with a workshop offered by the Shorashim Unity Center: it takes place in Nahal Kidod, north of Arad. Participants explore desert life, animals, plants, caves, and water wells. This is a different kind of thematic experience from the trail descriptions. Note the distinction between the locations: the workshop takes place north of Arad, while the Nahal Kidod Trail starts near Rotem in the east.

Cultural history nearby

Nearby is the fortified citadel in Tel Arad National Park. It measures 50 × 55 meters and was part of the Kingdom of Judah’s fortification system. Its dimensions and historical function give the outing an archaeological focus distinct from the trail routes and workshop topics.

More destinations in the Southern District

The Southern District has other places with their own historical and landscape highlights. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the route of the ancient Incense Route in the Negev Highlands. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Israel’s largest oasis, has springs and waterfalls; ibex, hyraxes, and flowing streams can also be found there. These examples offer a regional perspective on culture and nature in the Southern District, separate from destinations in Arad and its immediate surroundings.

Masada represents the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the final resistance of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 AD. The site preserves the remains of Herod’s palaces, as well as intact Roman siege works, which rank among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world. Together with Avdat and Ein Gedi, Masada illustrates the variety of regional historical and landscape themes you can consider when planning a trip to the Southern District.

Discover more destinations: Ashkelon, Eilat, Midreshet Ben Gurion, Meitar, Hatzeva, Ein Bokek, Ein Gedi, Mitzpe Ramon.

Return to the main travel overview: Southern District.