Discover Meitar: Forest, Views and Routes

Meitar Forest surrounds Meitar in a horseshoe shape to the north, east and west. It lies at the foot of the southern Hebron Mountains and covers about 8,200 dunams; around 6,700 dunams of this area are planted. The planted section therefore accounts for the larger share of the forest area.

The forest contains about 106,000 trees. Around 56 percent are conifers; the rest are broadleaf trees.

Scenic Road and Viewpoint

A scenic road about 13.5 kilometers long runs through Meitar Forest from north to south. It is accessible by private car and passes between the picnic areas and the forest’s main sites.

A paved viewpoint is located in Meitar Forest, southwest of the water reservoir. From there, views extend north, west and south, with Meitar below. The road and viewpoint offer different highlights: crossing the forest and looking in three directions over Meitar.

Singletrack and Long-Distance Trail

The Sovev Yaar Meitar singletrack follows a linear route south and east of Meitar; to the north, there is an 8-kilometer loop. A winding shared route around Meitar, it has several entry and exit points. The northern section is a clearly defined loop, while the southern and eastern sections follow a linear route.

The singletrack is ridden in both directions. If you use it, take particular care on blind bends and watch out for cyclists coming from the opposite direction.

The Israel National Trail also passes through Meitar Forest, connecting Mount Sansan with the Yatir Mountains. The long-distance trail therefore links two named landmarks, while the singletrack features a loop and several entry and exit points.

Earlier Use and Memorial

A paved area and pillars clad in river pebbles mark the site of the former forestry house in Meitar Forest.

The Noam Rosenthal memorial stands beside an old building in Meitar Forest. It is shaped like a grand piano and reflects Rosenthal’s love of music and of this instrument. Its shape makes the musical connection immediately visible.

Regional Context: the Southern District

The wider travel destination of the Southern District also includes distinctive nature and cultural sites. Avdat National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the route of the ancient Incense Road in the Negev Highlands. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve contains Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls and flowing streams, as well as ibex and hyraxes. 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. The site preserves the remains of Herod’s palaces, as well as intact Roman siege works that are among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world.

Discover more destinations: Maslul, Arad, Kfar Menahem, Ein Gedi, Ashdod, Mitzpe Ramon, Zuqim, Midreshet Ben Gurion

Go to the wider travel overview: Southern District.