Saar Waterfall, which is located on the road that climbs towards Mount Hermon and the northern Golan Heights, is one of the most beautiful and popular waterfalls in the Golan Heights. A parking lot has been constructed next to the waterfall, and short walking paths allow observations towards the waterfall and the Nahal Saar canyon. You can continue on a longer route that reaches the “Waterfall of Shards” and the Friendship Bridge, which are not far away.
The Saar Stream
Nahal Sa’ar, also known by its Arabic name “Wadi Hashba”, originates in Ein Saar near Majdal Shams, flows in the northern Golan Heights, and empties into Nahal Hermon, about 300 meters south of the Banias stream. On the way, it drains the Yafuri Valley and the springs that are in it, continue to the Ram pool, and turns west towards the village of Masada.
Nahal Sa’ar is a seasonal stream. In summer there is nothing particularly exciting about it, and there is probably no point in coming and hiking there, but with the onset of winter, it gets a significant amount of water from the rainwater and especially from the melting snows on Mount Hermon – which creates a huge celebration of turbulent water, blooms and lots of greenery around.
Along the creek channel, which consists of basalt and limestone, there are two waterfalls flowing in the winter and spring: the “shards waterfall” (“Resisim” in Hebrew), located about a kilometer east of the Friendship Bridge on the road to Ein Kinia, and the impressive Saar waterfall that falls from a height of 10 meters and is located only 100 meters from the main road – which makes it perfect for a short and quick hike.
Saar Waterfall – Trails
There are several options for hiking in this area. After parking on the south side of the road (directions to it below), we will cross carefully to its northern side and reach the beginning of the trail system. From here, we can do a two-and-a-half-hour hike, a shorter half-hour hike to the Shards Falls, and even just enjoy a quick vantage point.
The shortest path is also accessible to people with reduced mobility and baby carts, leading to a beautiful view of the waterfall itself. Another path passes by a wooden bridge over the waterfall and ascends short steps to the north bank of Nahal Saar. This trail crosses the creek again on the bridge of Road 989 and returns to the starting point.
From this trail, another trail (marked with a green trail marker) branches off and allows us to continue on a route of about an hour which will lead us to the “Waterfall of Shards”. Near the waterfall passes the “Friendship Bridge” that connects the village of Ein Kinia with the Golan Heights. The bridge was destroyed by the Syrians during the Six-Day War in order to make it difficult for the Israeli army to advance. After the war, the then Minister of Defense, Moshe Dayan, ordered the bridge to be rebuilt as a gesture of goodwill towards the Druze residents living in the Golan, and in the name of that gesture, he received his name.
For the most part, it is recommended to follow the longer route in the opposite direction – start at the Friendship Bridge and end at Saar Falls, below is its detail.
The Longer Trail – From The Friendship Bridge to Saar Waterfall
We will start this route in a parking lot located about a hundred meters west of the Friendship Bridge. From this point, we will descend west towards the Nahal Saar channel, and we will reach a flour mill, which used the flow of water for its activities. It operated on the site until 1969, since it was destroyed in floods that were in the creek and have not returned to use.
From there, we will continue along a narrow section of the trail which is adjacent to the flow. The trail continues along the south bank, passing occasionally alongside beautiful meadows in the flowing gorge. After a 10 minute walk on the trail, we will reach a lovely point with cool pools. From there, we will progress through dense oak trees to impressive views of the creek channel that sinks into the rocks and creates nice small waterfalls fed by the springs. Above us, we will see Road 989 leading to Neve Ativ, and higher on the horizon the Nimrod Fortress.
After about half an hour of walking, the path will lead us to the road that passes over us. We will pass a small parking lot between fenced orchards, walk carefully along the road beyond the guardrail and return to the creek channel until we meet Saar bridge. We will cross the road carefully and reach the complex of Saar Waterfall. The water that falls in the waterfall from a height of 10 meters creates an impressive pool surrounded by tall noble pine trees.
From here, the road to the Saar Waterfall parking lot is very short.
Important Information
In any case, no matter what route you choose to take, there are a few things you need to know.
First – it is important to know when to arrive. Saar stream is a seasonal river, and except for a short period in winter and spring, there will be no flow of water in it. On the other hand, during the winter it is important to make sure before setting out that the trails are safe and fit to walk (on rainy winter days they may be filled with slippery mud, and the flow in the creek may make it difficult to cross).
When the stream flows, the route to the shards waterfall may require a walk in the water that can reach a depth of about a meter. It is recommended to come organized with shoes suitable for walking in a water environment, and change of clothes.
The route is almost completely exposed to the sun, and there are few shady spots on it. Prepare accordingly.
It is important to remember that descending to the waterfall pool itself is forbidden and dangerous. Also, the creek water is polluted and it is recommended not to bathe in it. Travel responsibly!
How To Get To Saar Waterfall
To Saar Falls
To reach Saar Falls, ascend from Kiryat Shmona towards the Golan Heights on Road 99. Before turning to Neve Ativ, at Saar Bridge, turn right and enter a large parking lot. There is a restaurant and temporary food stalls there. Also, due to its popularity, the parking lot may be crowded.
In Waze: Saar Falls.
To the Friendship Bridge
For the longer route that starts at the Friendship Bridge (which is on the road leading to the village of Ein Kinia from Road 99, about three km east of the junction of Saar Falls), take road 99 and follow the signs to the village of Ein Kinia. After about a kilometer we turn left into a large parking lot, and another small one is c. 200 m further, closer to the bridge itself.) The endpoint is at the junction of Saar Falls, which we have already described.
In Waze: Ein Kinia, Friendship Bridge.
Looking for more hiking trails in the region? Check out The Golan Trail!