Warm summer days are the best days to travel the upper part of En Prat, one of northern Judea's biggest rivers.
Near the national parks entrance lays a 30 minutes walking trail marked blue, heading towards Wadi Fara Spring. It is recommended to leave a car at the trails end.
The scenery for both hikers and motorists is quit spectacular, with its relatively barren landscape exhibiting layers of ancient bolder cliffs and caves. Upon arrival to the streams gorge, near the parking lays an old brick construct which is used nowadays as a visitor's center, offering many attractions.
In the past the construct was used as water pumping station, transferring spring water to Jerusalem Between the years 1927-1935.
Pumping was stopped after a main water pipe was installed from Rosh Ha Ein to Jerusalem. On site also lay pumping station relics dating back to the days of the Second Temple House.
West of the pumping station under the rough chalk rocks, runs a geological seam. Due to the nature of the rock the stream runs between steep rocky cliffs, some of which are open for mountain climbers to challenge.
East of the pumping station a short distance away downstream through soft chalk rocks. It is in this area where the stream is wider and its banks are leveled and soft.
A short path leads to the gate of Hariton Monistery (or Dir Piran) which is rarely open.
This monastery was built in the fourth century by the monk Hariton of Egypt. Hariton was known around the world as the founder of the monastery ways called Laura (in Greek- small or narrow corridor). The Laura is a combination of asceticism and normal monasticism. The Laura monks would seclude themselves during the week and meet for mass and Sunday dinner. The monastery, located at the bottom of a depression in the cliff' engulfed in green flora and surrounded by a high wall. The cave where Hariton the monk used to reside is open for visitations.
How to get there?
From Jerusalem’s French Hill intersection, take the road to Pisgat Ze’ev. Pass the Hizmeh checkpoint and continue east on road 437 to Almon (Anatot). Enter the community, turn immediately south onto an unpaved road for about 500 m, which turns into a paved road. Caution: drive slowly, the road has many turns.
Credit: Israel Nature and Parks Authority.