Hiking the Holyland: Nahal Tekoa, the canyon in Herodion’s shadow

Nahal Tekoa, a nature reserve below Herodion National Park, offers a quiet hiking trail through a canyon with monks' caves, including the large Haritoun Cave. The route is moderate, 4.5 km one way, and passes biblical Tekoa, hometown of the prophet Amos. Entry is free.

Nahal Tekoa, a nature reserve in the Judean Desert just below Herodion National Park, offers a quiet hiking trail through a canyon rich in history. The route starts at Herodion, descends between limestone cliffs, and passes caves used by fourth-century monks, including the large Haritoun Cave with 55 halls and four kilometers of passages. The canyon is identified as biblical Tekoa, hometown of the prophet Amos. The trail is moderate, about 4.5 kilometers one way, and takes around three hours. Entry is free. The writer, Susannah Schild, founder of Hiking the Holyland, recommends the trail for its peacefulness and historical depth, noting it sees few crowds compared to Herodion.