The Balfour Forest is one of the first forests planted by the JNF in the state of Israel, and the first to be planted in honor of a non-Jewish personality. It covers an area of about 4,300 dunams, and is a wonderful natural gem for lovers of short hikes, camping for families and children, picnics and pleasant relaxation in nature.
Planting of the forest began as early as 1928 by members of Kibbutz Ginegar, which had been founded only six years earlier. According to the stories, the residents of the kibbutz were in desperate need of work, and the JNF came to their aid and allowed them to engage in forestry. The residents of the city also contributed to the plantations, and the forest – also called the “Migdal HaEmek Forest” – expanded and encircled the city from three different directions.
Later, the JNF established the “Balfour Campsite”, an outdoor recreation site that offers shaded picnic corners (where you can also barbeque) overlooking the wonderful view of the Jezreel Valley, which stretches to the foot of the roads that pass through the forest. Later, the “Round Migdal HaEmek” bicycle path was inaugurated, which also passes through the impressive scenic roads of the forest.
In recent years, the Balfour Forest parking lot has undergone another upgrade, received another round of afforestation (which added grove trees such as Tabor oak, Terebinth and carob, and orchard trees that bear fruit – almond, fig and strawberry), along with further development of picnic tables, fitness facilities and construction of a small amphitheater.
What is the JNF? The Jewish National Fund is an organisation that was founded in 1901 to buy and develop land in Ottoman Palestine for Jewish settlement. The JNF is a non-profit organization. By 2007, it owned 13% of the total land in Israel. Since its inception, the JNF says it has planted over 240 million trees in Israel.
How to get to Balfour Forest
The forest is located in the southern part of the city Migdal HaEmek. From the entrance to the city, continue on Derech HaEmek Street, from there turn onto Golani Brigade Street and continue with it until the connection with Six Days Street. There, park in the parking lot.
The place is open all year round, for free.
Read More: Long Hiking Trails in Israel