The path through the Black Gorge on the Golan Heights is uniquely spectacular for several reasons. First, it encompasses a diverse range of terrain features, from large boulder-strewn pools to dramatic waterfalls, each offering its own special allure. The route also holds an air of mystery, such as the intriguing "disappearing stream" where the river water flows beneath large rocks. Secondly, the route through the gorge provides thrilling physical challenges, like abseiling down waterfalls and navigating the fertile but treacherous basalt slopes, that require certain techniques and equipment, adding an adventurous dimension to the trek. Lastly, the Golan Heights location means that the area is rich in geological history and biodiversity, with the basalt rock formations being remnants of ancient volcanic activity, and the vibrant oleander and reed vegetation fostering an array of wildlife.
The Black Canyon trail on the Golan Heights offers a fascinating and multifaceted journey that will exhilarate any adventure seeker. From the moment you set foot on this path, you're drawn into a geological marvel that unfolds like an epic saga written by nature itself.
Your journey starts with the first waterfall, a thrilling abseil down its 28 meters, where the impressive might of water carving through basalt is vividly evident. You navigate through sections where the river disappears, the water sneakily flowing beneath an array of large rocks, creating an illusion of a vanishing stream.
You encounter pools and seasonal puddles interspersed with steep climbs and descents, where iron ropes help ensure your safe passage. The fertile yet loose basalt soil underfoot is a constant reminder of the dynamic geology of this region.
Before approaching the third waterfall, you must traverse a body of water that stands like a gatekeeper to real joy: an exhilarating and beautiful descent down the waterfall. Yet the adventure does not end here. To reach the shore, you must swim through a lengthy pool at the waterfall's base, adding another stroke of excitement to your adventure.
Your exit from the canyon is a steep uphill climb that tests your endurance. It provides a beautiful respite under the shade of large trees and continues with a challenging ascend on high stone steps. As you emerge from the canyon, you encounter a crossroad of trails offering various choices for continuing your exploration.
As you rest, you get a breathtaking view of the distant Naftali Mountains, contrasting beautifully with the Golan Heights and marking the opposite bank of the majestic Syrian-African Rift. This scene is a fitting finale to an unforgettable journey through a route that's as much about the beauty of our earth as it is about the thrill of canyoning.
This trail, with its wild beauty and physical challenges, promises an adventure that is as enlightening as it is exhilarating. Every twist and turn, every ascent and descent, and every splash of water paints a vivid picture of nature's power and elegance. It's an exploration that touches not just your physical being but also strikes a deep chord with your spirit. This is what awaits you on the Black Canyon trail. Are you ready to take the plunge?
