Hermon Mount (הר חרמון)| Hermon Nature Reserve

Hermon nature reserve (שמורת חרמון) is a nature reserve located in the north of the Golan Heights.

A place where “all eyes of the nation can see,” is one of the many labels Hermon Mount has tagged onto its name. This simply means that because of its vast high point, it is a perfect place to see any early warnings signs of problems across the region. There are observatory stations placed in this area for monitoring the region. It also makes an excellent place in Israel to experience the changing of the seasons, which is very rare in one of the driest places in the world.

With winters that are high in snowfall and precipitation this mountain is like a water faucet to a dry sink. The rain and snow as it melts runs down the mountain feeding valleys, streams and the Jordan River. Not to mention, many unique and interesting plant life, and the animals that stay in the area because of the good source of food and the plentiful water. The run off from the mountain creates green areas that are dense, rich in color with plants and trees such as pine, and oak.

The mountain also hosts the only ski resort in the area with levels for all skiers to enjoy, and hills for great sledding.

From December through April, skiers can ski the 9,000-foot hill, but for non-skiers there is a lift to take these visitors on a beautiful sightseeing adventure to the top of the mountain. Also in the area is the Berekhat dam, which has a small shallow lake in the middle of a dormant volcano where fishing, swimming, and picnicking are recreational activities that many visitors enjoy.

The Mount Hermon Nature Reserve is one of the top attractions in the area that brings people from all over to visit it. The Banias springs arrive at the base of the falls and they flow powerfully through the canyon creating a very impressive display in the form of a great waterfall. The stream them join the Tel Dan River, and flows to the Jordan River. Visitors can climb a path to the remnants of the temples that are in the cliff walls, and view the remains of the city of Panias. Herod the Great assembled in front of the walls and built his heritage here. Today this is an archeological site, but through past generations lays the remnants of the King Phillip and Agrippa11 era. His son created a capital in this area after King Herod was gone. This is a well-recognized area through the scriptures for a documented conversation between Jesus and Peter, which is in Matt. 16: 16-19.

The Hermon nature reserve is also known for being very scenic, and has many excellent hiking trails that you can access from either end. Additional sites to visit in the area are an ancient bridge that was constructed during the roman ages, an old flourmill, the Hermon River and the Saar waterfall.  The beauty and history of the area out shines itself as people from all over the world flock to see the ruins, the biblical heritage areas, and the mountain that supplies all the needs to the land, animals, birds, and foliage below. Very few places in the world offer so much in one place to fulfill many needs of adventure, culture, and fun. Hiking, skiing, sledding, kayaking, picnicking, bathing opportunities, animal and bird watching are all open to anyone who decides to take an adventure and visit the Hermon Mount and Hermon nature reserve. 

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