Mesilat Zion and the nearby Eshtaol Forest

When planning a trip around Mesilat Zion, it is worth looking at the nearby Eshtaol Forest. There you will find trails, picnic areas, and memorial sites, as well as a location with parts of an ancient olive press. The variety of nature and history themes gives you a concrete idea of what you might like to do during your stay. This focus on excursions may also play a role when choosing a vacation rental in Mesilat Zion.

Trails and picnic areas in the Eshtaol Forest

An orange-marked road runs for about 3.5 kilometres from the O'Higgins Picnic Area to the access road to Mesilat Zion. It is passable by private cars; road conditions may vary. The Friendship Trail offers a different route: after about half a kilometre, it branches north from the main road and rejoins it roughly 300 metres later. The road thus connects two named points, while the Friendship Trail forms a short loop off the main road and back.

The Yonatan Picnic Area is near the point where the road meets the access road to Mesilat Zion. From there, a short path leads to children's play equipment. Check the latest KKL-JNF travel advisories before your visit.

Memorial sites in the forest

A monument to Simón Bolívar (1783–1830) stands along the trail through the Eshtaol Forest. A picnic area along the trail commemorates José de San Martín (1778–1850), an Argentine military leader and statesman. San Martín was also a prominent figure in the movement to liberate Latin America from Spanish rule. Alongside its trails and picnic areas, the forest's two memorial sites also give it a historical connection.

Pine trees, an olive press, and a view

East of the O'Higgins Picnic Area, a trail passes a forest of pine trees; their seeds are pine nuts. The HaArba'a Picnic Area includes parts of an ancient olive press. The picnic area also offers a view of the Sorek Stream basin. Here, a scenic outlook and an archaeological connection come together at a named picnic area—two distinct reasons to include the area in your excursion plans.

Jerusalem as a broader travel destination

Jerusalem provides the broader cultural context. The Old City of Jerusalem and its walls have great symbolic significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as a holy city, and include 220 historical monuments. The Dome of the Rock in the Old City was built in the 7th century. The Jerusalem Walls National Park offers a different perspective: it is located in central Jerusalem and includes historical, archaeological, and religious sites. The park was designated to preserve historical, archaeological, traditional, architectural, and landscape values for public benefit.

The Jerusalem Trail is also part of this broader context. It connects Jerusalem with the Israel Trail and passes through the Jerusalem Walls National Park, along the Kidron Stream, and through the Hinnom Valley. As trail conditions can change, check the latest conditions before setting out.

When looking for a vacation rental in Mesilat Zion, consider which of these themes you would like to include in your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Aderet, Tsafririm, Ma'ale Hahamisha, Abu Ghosh, Tal Shahar, Li On, Harel, Jerusalem.

For the broader travel overview: Jerusalem.