On Thursday (27.11.25), KKL-JNF, together with the Kishon Drainage Authority and the South Jordan Drainage and Streams Authority, inaugurated the first sections of Kishon River Trail, part of the flagship project "From the Sea to the Jordan", which aims to create a continuous nature corridor of approximately 90 km, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan Valley. The inauguration symbolizes a transition from a vision and planning phase that took shape over two decades, to a phase of actual implementation in which the public is already beginning to enjoy a restored and accessible nature.
An intergenerational vision that becomes reality
The sections that have now opened reflect the project's vision for the first time on the ground:
A restored stream, natural banks that have come back to life, new walking and cycling trails, plantings, restoration of stream and spring vegetation. The public that already visits the trail benefits from new promenade infrastructure that presents a touching ecological change.
The project will create, for the first time in Israel, a unique nature corridor that will connect the Jordan Valley to the Kishon River where it meets the sea. It is expected to include bicycle paths, hiking trails, overnight campsites, nature sites, restored streams, and new tourist attractions.
20 km of new trails – and moving forward
To date, restoration work has been carried out on over 20 km along the stream, including the paving of a concrete path, planting, habitat development, and restoration of the stream banks. The work was funded by KKL-JNF and the Open Spaces Fund and was carried out in cooperation with the Kishon Drainage Authority and the Zevulun, Jezreel, and Kiryat Tivon regional councils.
In 2026, further development is expected along the Harod, Navot, Gilboa, and Kishon rivers, including the integration of key points of interest such as Lake Kfar Baruch, Tel Jezreel, and Ein Jezreel. This is part of a broader project designed to make the area accessible to all — hikers, cyclists, and local naturalists.
Ecological restoration already noticeable on the ground
In the sections that have already opened, impressive signs of recovery are visible:
Habitats are reopening, species have returned after years of absence, animal movement is renewed, and natural riparian vegetation is flourishing.
Senior officials emphasize: A joint and groundbreaking national project
Shelly Ben Yishai, Director of the Northern Region at KKL-JNF"The Kishon River Trail is the story of a river that has come back to breathe. After 25 years of dreaming and planting along the river, I see the vision coming true. It is an ecological corridor and continuous walkways from the sea to the Jordan. KKL-JNF is committed to accelerating the project, and I call on the authorities to join in for the benefit of nature, tourism and quality of life."
Danny Atar, Head of Gilboa Regional Council"This is a groundbreaking regional plan that connects the Gilboa area to a broad national project. The renewal of the landscape will strengthen the area as a nature, recreation and biological conservation area, along with connecting communities and settlements."
Eyal Kentz, Director General of the South Jordan Drainage and Streams Authority"The plan allows for a re-planning of the stream environment — expanding the flow zone, improving the ecological interface, and removing barriers. Turning the stream into a central promenade will raise awareness of its preservation."
Uri Regev, CEO of the Kishon Drainage Authority"The valleys are a national ecological corridor. The plan will allow the stream to continue to function as a vital passage for animals. I envision a national trail that will begin in Haifa and continue through Jezreel, Gilboa and the Harod Valley — the only transverse corridor of its kind in Israel."
The beginning of a new national journey
The opening of the Kishon River Trail marks a significant milestone: the vision that has been in the making for decades is now becoming part of the public's daily life. The "From the Sea to the Jordan" project promises to lead to ecological, touristic and social change and transform Israel's valleys and streams into a continuous, breathing and vibrant natural network.
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What is the starting point?
Where is the fence in the picture?
Thank you very much. Been waiting for this for half my life.
Important and vital for mental and physical health. Green, water, nature.
A vision for all the broad rivers in the country.
Let them flow and not be sewage
And their banks are clean, serving as parks for sports and recreation in simple, uncommercialized nature. Just don't stop the project and let it progress in a way that will allow it to be preserved over time.