Romance in nature
Next week will be Valentine's Day, the most romantic day of the year. We in Haifa are surrounded by beautiful and romantic places, and there is nothing more romantic than going out into nature, sitting at a special observation deck, spreading out a picnic blanket, and enjoying the view provided by the Carmel peaks.
3 crazy observations
On the occasion of Valentine's Day, I have chosen for you 3 amazing views in Carmel, each different from its surroundings, and which are beautiful throughout the year:
1) The scout bird
The ranger's birdhouse is on Mount Carmel, above the Karmia ridge, and offers an amazing 360-degree view.
The birdhouse is close to the Israel Trail, and you can stop there for day or night parking during a hike on the trail. Instead of tables, water and toilets.
In memory of Sergeant Ido Shapira
The birdhouse was established in memory of Sgt. Ido Shapira who was killed in an operational activity, and was established by his teammates in the paratrooper patrol and with the assistance of the Nature and Parks Authority.
The birdhouse itself is accessible, and there are tables that are also suitable for people with disabilities, but access to it is not suitable for all vehicles. We parked the car near the green gate and walked about 750 meters on a dirt road.
parking: There is an arranged parking lot
cost: Free
Making an appointment: No need to reserve a place in advance
reaching: Wiz: The scout bird
2) The bird of the cliff
The cliff bird is not far from the University of Haifa, and provides us with an amazing view of the Carmel forests, Little Switzerland, and the sea.
We will start at the cliff parking lot, where we will find plenty of picnic tables, toilets and water taps. From the parking lot, walk down the road a little until you meet a blue trail marker.
Like rock rabbits
Start walking on the blue marking, until it meets a transparent marking (white-transparent-white). From here we will have a short walk along the transparent path, where for a brief moment we will feel like rock rabbits. We jump from rock to rock, until we reach the nest itself.
The whole world
The birdhouse is actually a fence on the cliff. Walking back the way we came. The total distance from the parking lot to Matzfar is about half a kilometer, but the feeling is like a whole world!
pay attention: It is easy to miss the turn from the blue path to the transparent one. If you feel like you're starting to go down, you've missed it. The blue trail continues to Little Switzerland.
parking: There is an arranged parking lot
appropriate: Couple, family, solo traveler, group.
reaching: Write Boys: The cliff parking lot
cost: Free
Making an appointment: No need to reserve a place in advance
3) The Fire Scout Tower at the top of Ofer Forest
The Ofer Forest is located on the western slopes of Carmel, on both sides of Gavish 7021. The forest contains plenty of bike paths, lookouts, several picnic parking lots, including accessible parking lots, hiking trails and Hamad corners.
Although the forest contains many birds, the most beautiful and impressive observation point is without a doubt Firewatch tower at the top of the hill
Amazing view
It is not possible to go up to the top of the tower, as it is locked and used by the KKL-Junk and the fire department when necessary, but next to the tower is a huge observation deck, with an amazing view.
KKL-Junk picnic tables are scattered near the tower, and next to it runs the Israel Trail, along with several other routes.
parking: There is parking right next to the tower. You can also park lower and walk to the tower and back.
reaching: Wise: Mitzpe Ofer
cost: free
Making an appointment: Not required