Amud Stream

Did You Know?

• The stream is named after a pillar that rises high above ground and is located near a channel of the stream near Kibbutz Hukok.
• They were the object of the first paleoanthropological excavations in Mandatory Palestine in 1925–1926.
• The caves contained hominin remains as well as Mousterian and Acheulean artifacts.

Geography and Trails

The stream originates at Ramat Dalton, 800 meters above sea level, and its drainage basin includes the peaks of Mount Canaan and Mount Meron. It flows south through the Upper and Lower Galilee to the northwestern part of the Sea of Galilee, dropping to below 200 meters below sea level. Nahal Amud is divided into an upper section, which flows year-round from natural springs and forms pools and small waterfalls, and a lower section that dries up in summer and autumn. A 5-kilometer circular trail near Route 866 traverses the upper part of the nature reserve, and longer paths connect to Mount Mitzpe Hayamim, a viewpoint offering simultaneous views of the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea.

Flora and Fauna

Perennial water in the upper stream supports dense Mediterranean woodland with oak leaves, green moss, walnut trees, plane trees, and vines. In winter and spring, hillsides bloom with wildflowers such as red anemones. The high cliffs serve as nesting and resting areas for birds of prey including vultures and eagles, while caves shelter rare bat species. The aquatic ecosystem hosts dragonflies, frogs, and tadpoles.

Modern History and Industry

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has restored historic fruit orchards and ancient water channels along the stream. Past water currents powered stone flour mills for grinding wheat, and in the 16th century a water-powered wool mill called a Mivtasha was built to process wool with heavy wooden hammers. During the British Mandate, a concrete pumping station at Ein Yakim spring supplied drinking water to Safed, and the Ein Tina police station was built nearby to secure it; bullet holes from the Arab Revolt of 1936–1939 remain visible. Commercial pumping ceased in 1995 to restore natural flow. The National Water Carrier crosses the 150-meter-deep gorge via a large steel inverted siphon.