Resources in English
On this page we will provide links to articles which give a quick overview of the Israel National Trail, as well as links to the most comprehensive guides available in print. We will also provide links on this page and on the "Trip Reports" page to articles which should be useful in trip planning. This list of resources in English is updated frequently, and we invite you to submit information that will be helpful to other English-speaking hikers.
(Above: Roman aqueduct in pasture near Caesarea.)
Articles: a quick overview of the Israel National Trail
Ynetnews: Hiking the Israel National Trail
A good quick overview of what to expect, with recommendations for the best time to hike certain sections.
Yeti Thru Hikes - Israel National Trail
Videos, and brief descriptions of many areas. This is a good summary of the contrast between industrialized Israel and the INT.
The English-language Facebook page for the Israel National Trail
This page now features changes in the trail, with map references and photos. It's a good planning resource.
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel: Israel National Trail
In the past this link went to a good history of the INT. Now it is a different link to what seems to be a rewritten and simplified page with little detail. I'm not sure what is happening here. I particularly liked the old page with the description of how Avraham Tamir hiked the Appalachian Trail and was inspired to create the Israel National Trail. That has disappeared from here, but information on Tamir and INT history can be found on this page.
Forums
The most helpful forum to visit is https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/israeltrail/ This is the closest equivalent AT hikers will find to forums such as WhiteBlaze and Trail Talk, and is the most helpful hiking forum in English I could find in Israel.
Other resource pages on this website
Also see the "Trip Preparation" page for another English-language forum.
Some of your best advice will come from trip reports from other hikers. If you have a report to add to that section, contact me.
Publications
Hike the Land of Israel: Israel National Trail - Fourth Edition (2020)
To receive a 20% discount, enter this code at checkout: INT20.
If you are planning to hike the INT, we recommend that you purchase this book.
This full and comprehensive guide includes 62 topographical maps (1:50,000) and 8 road maps (1:250,000). It is an ultralight guide, that weighs only 300 grams.
All the maps are in English. The guide offers a full description of the hike in both northbound and southbound directions together with the hiking profile – distance and height above or below sea level. You will find in the guide fascinating information about geology, history, unique botanical information and interesting short side trips.
"Walk the Land" is particularly helpful in describing the southern portion of the trail, the route through the Negev. After Arad the authors stay in the homes of friends and families, slack-packing the trail that is north of the desert. This option will not be open to most visitors.