Ein Amikam is a beautiful stream in the upper part of Nahal Taninim, close to Moshav Amikam. The place has a spring that increases the amount of water and creates a natural pool hidden among reeds and raspberries that surround it, with a wonderful water route suitable for children and families.
Nahal Taninim (called in Arabic “Wadi a-Zarqa”, ie “the blue river”) is a perennial stream that begins in Ramot Menashe, between Dalia and Ein Hashofet. The stream flows southwest of the Mediterranean Sea and empties into the sea south of Kibbutz Maagan Michael, near Jisr a-Zarqa.
The stream is named after the ancient city of Crocodilopolis (the city of crocodiles – Khirbet Abu Tantur), which existed at the site in the Persian period. There is some evidence of the presence of crocodiles in the creek in years past, but they have not been there for a long time, so you can enter the water without fear (the last time a crocodile was seen in the creek was in 1912).
Ein Amikam
Ein Amikam is named after Moshav Amikam, which is located in the area west of Ramot Menashe, near Zichron Yaacov. The peak of the spring’s flow is in the winter and spring, but it is full of water all year round and can be visited with pleasure even in summer. Similar to Ein Aviel, the spring is located right on the river route and therefore enjoys a flow of clean and cool water and is a living area for a variety of tiny fish and crabs.
Upon arrival (explanation below), you can choose one of two options. Turning right will lead us to some pleasant and shaded pools at a depth of about half a meter, next to which you can sit, enjoy and have a pleasant picnic. It is most convenient to enter the water on the right, where there are stone steps. The left turn will lead to a light walking route in the water (at a shallow depth of about 30 cm), where you can go and come back the same way.
The water level in the pools is up to half a meter, and as mentioned, the walking route is only about 30 cm, so the route is also suitable for small children (with good supervision). It is recommended to come with shoes that are suitable for water (and not flip-flops) because the bottom and the edge of the pool are slippery. Ein Amikam is hidden by reed vegetation and raspberry bushes typical of the place, and there is a lot of shade (but less comfortable seating areas).
Please note that the place may be crowded on holidays and weekends, so it is advisable to arrive early and try and not disturb others (the creek channel is relatively narrow). And as always, please preserve the environment and collect your garbage.
For whom it is suitable – Suitable for small groups, families and couples, for a short time.
Distance and Difficulty – Moderate descent on a wide and exposed path to the sun. Back the same way. No special equipment is needed, but it is recommended to come with comfortable shoes for walking in the water.
more details –Admission to the place is free, suitable for all seasons.
How to Get There
We will drive on road 6533 from Kibbutz Regavim in the direction of Moshav Amikam. Shortly before reaching the moshav, we will cross a stone bridge, immediately after it, we will turn left onto a dirt road. We will continue along the dirt road along the creek channel until we reach an improvised parking lot, which you will see by a large and impressive strawberry tree that is in it.
From there, carefully descend to the creek in a short descent of about half a minute (about 50 meters).
In Waze: “Ein Amikam”.