The Gilbon Spring, or Brehat HaKtsinim is known as one of the most abundant springs in the Hula Valley. It springs from the bottom layer of the basalt base of the Golan Heights and has been used since ancient times as the primary water source for the region's settlements. In addition, its waters were used to turn the millstones of the Jalabina mill. The border between Israel and Syria before the Six-Day War ran along the Jordan River and, at this point, was located one kilometre east of the Pkak Bridge. The Syrians used the spring waters to build a pool with cool and clean water for the Syrian officers. All approaches to the region were mined; to this day, there are marked minefields fenced with barbed wire. The spring and the pool can be reached via the marked route of the Jelabun nature reserve or along the former patrol road from Dardara (green marking).
Gilbon, or Jelabun, is a nature reserve on the western slopes of the Gloan Plateau. Two streams, Gilbon and Eitan, flow on its territory. Gilbon Creek flows into the Jordan River south of the Pkak Bridge, near Highway 918. The entire walking route of the reserve runs from the Dvora Falls parking lot to the Pkak Bridge. There are two waterfalls on the territory of the reserve. The upper waterfall is called Dvora waterfall and is 10 meters high. The lower waterfall is called Gilbon Falls; its height is 42 meters. Archaeologists have discovered the ruins of the ancient Dvor settlement near the waterfall. This settlement belongs to the period of the Mishnah and the Talmud. Gilbon Falls has deep, swimmable pools. At Gilbon Falls, you can end your walk and climb up the blue path. You should plan your route. A country road leads to the beginning of the hike, suitable for all types of vehicles. The road passes through the territory of a reasonably large former Syrian military base. Damaged concrete buildings are visible along the road. The road will have a fork, indicating the start of the Jelabun Creek and Dvora Falls hiking trail (red marking). Traditionally, the route starts from the Dvora waterfall and ends at the Jelabun (Gilbon) waterfall. The length of this route is about four hours. You should leave one of the cars in the parking lot at the Gilbon waterfall and use the other one to return to the parking lot at the beginning of the route - the Dvora waterfall. The entire way involves the passage from the parking lot of the Gilbon waterfall to the Gesher Pkak bridge. This route will take 6-8 hours.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
