Meitar: Forest, Views and Trails

Meitar Forest surrounds Meitar in a horseshoe shape to the north, east and west, and lies at the foot of the southern Hebron Mountains. It covers approximately 8,200 dunams, of which around 6,700 dunams are planted. The forest contains about 106,000 trees; around 56 percent are conifers, with the remainder being deciduous trees. Its location, area and tree population give this natural setting a distinctive character: the forest frames Meitar on three sides while also offering specific points of interest for a stay. If you are considering Meitar as a travel destination, you can factor its landscape, views and routes into your plans.

Forest Landscape and Views

An approximately 13.5-kilometre panoramic road crosses Meitar Forest from north to south. It is accessible by private car and passes between picnic areas and the forest's main sites. This offers a practical way to experience the forest by car. A paved viewpoint southwest of the water reservoir looks north, west and south, with Meitar below. The road and the viewpoint serve different purposes in planning: the route describes a crossing through the forest, while the viewpoint offers views across several compass directions and down to the town.

Memorial Sites in the Forest

A paved area and pillars clad in river pebbles mark the site of the former forester's house in Meitar Forest. Next to the old building in the forest stands a memorial to Noam Rosenthal. Shaped like a concert grand piano, it reflects his love of music and this instrument. The former forester's house site and the memorial make different impressions: at the former, the paved area and materials catch the eye; at the latter, the piano shape and its musical significance. Travellers who enjoy including thoughtfully designed memorial sites in their trips will find another theme for their stay alongside the landscape and views.

Cycling Route and Other Trails

The Sovev Yaar Meitar singletrack is a winding shared route around Meitar, with several access and exit points. It runs in a linear stretch south and east of Meitar; to the north there is an 8-kilometre loop. The route is ridden in both directions. Take particular care at blind bends because cyclists may be coming from the opposite direction. When planning a ride, both choosing the right section and keeping these safety points in mind will help you find your way.

The Israel National Trail offers a different perspective on the routes: it passes through Meitar Forest and connects Mount Sansan with the Yatir Mountains. The two trails can therefore be distinguished by their defining features: the singletrack focuses on cycling, bends and the northern loop, while the Israel National Trail is characterised by the link between the two named mountain areas. These different features can help you choose activities to suit the interests of your travel group.

Choose Meitar as Your Holiday Destination

When looking for a holiday apartment in Meitar, consider what you would like to shape your stay: the view from the viewpoint, traces of the former forester's house, the memorial or one of the routes. If you are planning a trip with other travellers, this can help you discuss which of these themes will be most interesting for everyone. Choose your accommodation to suit your specific plans. The forest, its named sites and its various routes offer several clearly distinct points of interest to help you decide.

Discover more destinations: Ein Tamar, Be'er Ora, Mishmar HaNegev, Arad, Mashabei Sadeh, Idan, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Maslul.

For the broader travel overview: Southern District.