The Meshushim Pool (Hexagon Pool)
in the Yehudiya Nature Reserve

One of my favorite of the little hikes is the Meshushim pool (means hexagon in Hebrew) in the Yehudiya Nature Reserve. Situated north of the Sea of Galilee and of the small community called Had Ness on road 888, the pool is located at the bottom of a deep canyon, walled in with hexagonal basalt rock formations, flowing water and cascades.

The easy path down to the Meshushim Pool

You'll find easy access by road to a car parking area which has a kiosk, toilets and picnic tables. The entry charge to the park is around 18 NIS ($5) per adult and 12 NIS ($3.50) for children.

The unique hexagonal basalt rock formations

It is a fun hike, not too long, and the view is spectacular as you head down into the gorge overlooking the pool. The water is very cold, but amazingly refreshing especially during the hot summer months.

Enjoying the freezing cold water with my girls

Jumping from the rocks is essentially prohibited by the authorities, so do take care. I let my kids climb up the side of the canyon and jump, just as long as there is an adult with them to supervise and help them out.

My fearless daughter Shani jumping into the pool

There isn't really enough open space to have a picnic so I recommend you just bring water and fruit with you down to the pool.

TOP TIPS

• Do not buy ice cream at the kiosk until you come back from the pool. The thought of a scrumptious, cooling ice cream is exactly what you will need to entice the kids (and yourself!) on the tiring climb out of the canyon.
• Wear water sandals so that you don't slip on the wet rocks

Depending on how much you enjoy the water, spend a couple of hours at the pool, which will give you plenty of time to set up a picnic lunch in the area.

Tiyul na'eem (have a good hike in Hebrew)
Lisa