Looking for a place to take a dip in the summer without committing to a long and challenging route? Hidden in the northern Golan Heights is a trail leading to a Syrian officers' pool, a year-round flowing spring, and an ancient flour mill, with the walk spanning less than two kilometers.
During days when the heat turns every outing into a major operation, routes ending in water become particularly attractive. The Kinneret Drainage and Streams Authority notes that one of the places worth knowing is located in Nahal Jilabun, in the lower section of the stream, not far from the Jordan River.
The route leads to Ein Jilabun, also known as Ein Jalabina, a spring that flows throughout the year. Beside the spring is a pool where visitors can enjoy wading in the cool water, surrounded by trees and vegetation that offer a bit of shade. The pool is not full today, partly due to its condition and water extraction, but the water on site still offers a refreshing refuge from the heat.
The uniqueness of the location is not only in its water. Ein Jilabun served in the past as part of a Syrian military camp that operated in the area until the Six Day War. The structures adjacent to the pool were used by Syrian officers, hence the name "the Officers' Pool."
The path to the spring also passes through the remains of an ancient flour mill and an aqueduct, which was apparently used in the past to convey water from the Ein Jilabun spring to operate the mill. Along the way, visitors can also take in the view of Nahal Jilabun just before it flows into the Jordan River.
What does the route look like?
The trail begins on a wide dirt road that passes between fruit orchards. After about 500 meters, turn right and continue for another 600 meters along the dirt road until reaching a left turn.
From here, the route transitions into a walking segment over basalt stones, heading against the flow of the water. After about 200 meters, you will reach the area of the ancient flour mill and the aqueduct structure. From there, continue up a gentle incline for another 200 meters to Ein Jilabun.
Overall, this is a relatively short route, making it suitable for those seeking a brief summer excursion with a clear and refreshing destination at the end.
How to get there? In Waze: Gesher Hapkak. For those arriving from south to north, immediately after crossing Gesher Hapakak, turn following the red trail marker onto a wide dirt road on the right. You can park your vehicle in this area and set out on the walking route.