Circular hike from Tel Dor National Park to Dor HaBonim National Reserve
Tel Dor National Park and Dor HaBonim National Reserve are both covered as short walks on this website. However, the two parks are adjoining and it is possible to hike from one to the other. The coastline is mind-blowing. The hike can, of course, be started at either end, but there is some advantage in doing the historic material at Tel Dor first.
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Time: 2½ to 3 hours
Distance: About 8 Km
Type of hike: Circular
Difficulty: The part of the hike along the coastline on the red trail is slightly difficult in parts with walking along bare rock and some slight climbing from the beaches to the path. Hiking poles can be helpful here. The rest of the hike is relatively easy, especially on the way back from Habonim National Reserve.
Directions: Enter “Tel Dor” into Waze. The hike starts from the visitor center
Public transport: There is a not-frequent bus service between Binyamina and Giv’at Ada that stops an 800-meter/10-minute walk from the park.
Admission: There is no admission charge to Tel Dor National Park. There are covered picnic benches outside the visitor center at Tel Dor. Drinks and snacks can be purchased at the visitor center. There are nice views from the roof of the visitor center with a sign indicating the nearby settlements.
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THE HIKE:
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From the visitor center proceed along the paved path to the tel. From the tel, take the descent to the beach. This is the beginning of the red-marked trail. It is mildly difficult at the beginning. Proceed along the beaches and rocks on the red trail.
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The first part of the red trail just outside Tel Dor is a bit difficult and you may want to walk for a short while on the adjoining path a bit further from the coast. However, where they separate continue on the red-marked trail. You will pass fabulously beautiful beaches and inlets.
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Continue on this path until you reach the parking lot at HaBonim National Reserve.
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To return, go a bit to the right in the parking lot until you see the beginning of the green-marked trail. Continue along this trail until you come to a circular area of sand with multiple paths.
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There is a sign on the ground to the green marked trail on the far left. Do not take this trail, but take the trail a bit to the right of this. On maps it is a black trail, but there are no markings on the path. Nevertheless, it is a well-defined jeep trail. As you proceed along this path you will see paths on the right to the red-marked trail, but ignore them and continue on this jeep trail. You should be able to keep up a good pace on this path. There are only occasional views of the sea.
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The path ends just before the visitor center at Tel Dor.
On the way back, take the middle path
The Blue Cave
