Another few steps along the trail, a long staircase (300 steps) leads to the Halavluv. We reach an orchard with stone fences and concrete flowerbeds, with open canals between them spilling into small pools. It’s the Bustan of Aziz Khiat, a member of a Christian family that was among Haifa’s wealthiest during the British Mandate years. It was built as a holiday site, with a club, a cafe and three swimming pools. Family members and their guests descended to the orchard on the steps we saw previously. The Haifa Municipality and the Keren Kayemet recently completed a program to develop and renovate the valley and stream.
Nahal Siah gets its name in Hebrew and Arabic from the frequent hikers. In both languages, it is derived from words meaning “tour” or “hike.” The walk begins on Lotus Street. Descend to the right near the black trail mark, first on the asphalt road and then down the stairs, into the heart of the gully.