Be'er Ora: Israel National Trail and Circular Hike

Be'er Ora is of interest to travelers who want to plan around the Israel National Trail or a circular hike. The village is about 2.5 km from an endpoint of Section 53; the settlement can be reached on foot from there via a 4x4 track. A long circular hike also starts and ends in Be'er Ora. When choosing a hotel, you can first consider whether you are planning a section, a loop, or a drive in from the south.

Groceries and access to the Israel National Trail

Be'er Ora has a minimarket where visitors can stock up on groceries. Since the selection of goods may change, it is best to check on site whether the minimarket has what you need. The approximate distance is also important for navigating the Israel National Trail: Be'er Ora is about 2.5 km from the endpoint of Section 53. The settlement can be reached on foot from there via a 4x4 track. Plan this approach based on current trail conditions and check them before setting out.

A section or a circular hike?

For the Israel National Trail, Section 53 from north to south, Be'er Ora is listed as an endpoint; an overnight camp at the confluence of Nahal Atak and Nahal Reḥem is an alternative. A long circular hike also starts and ends in Be'er Ora. Your plans can therefore include different types of route: a section with a named endpoint and an alternative overnight camping spot, or a loop that returns to its starting point. Check current trail conditions for your chosen route before setting out.

Driving in from the south

When driving in from the south on the route to Shkhoret Canyon and the Amram Pillars, first drive into Be'er Ora, turn around there, and return to Arava Road heading south. For trip planning, it is useful to distinguish this road sequence from the hiking options: one concerns the order of the drive, the other the choice of route type. Road conditions can change; check them before driving.

A broader overview of the Southern District

Beyond Be'er Ora’s hiking options, the broader Southern District destination also offers nature and cultural attractions. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the route of the ancient Incense Road in the Negev Highlands. Masada preserves the remains of Herod’s palaces as well as intact Roman siege works, among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world. Masada is a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the final resistance of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 CE.

In the Southern District, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve encompasses Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls, ibex, hyraxes, and flowing streams. A hiking trail follows Nahal Arugot, which flows year-round, to a hidden waterfall and pools in its upper reaches.

Discover more destinations: Ein Tamar, Amatzia, Zuqim, Beersheba, Maslul, Ein Bokek, Ashkelon, Arad

Back to the broader travel overview: Southern District.