It took more than a year, but one of the trails most identified with Ein Gedi is about to return to hikers. The lower Nahal David trail, which leads to the David Waterfall, is currently in the final stretch of restoration work and is expected to reopen to the public ahead of Sukkot.
This path is actually the last part of the extensive restoration the reserve underwent following the unusual flood that struck it in May 2025. On that day, about 30 mm. of rain fell in the Ein Gedi area within a short period, and the water flowing through the David and Arugot streams caused extensive damage to infrastructure: Trails were washed away, stairs and bridges were damaged, and mud, rocks, and uprooted trees covered parts of the routes.
Extensive damage and gradual restoration
Since then, the trails have reopened gradually, in step with the progress of the restoration work. Nahal Arugot was initially reopened in part and later in full, followed by the route to the Ein Gedi Spring, and subsequently parts of Nahal David. Now, all that remains is to complete the lower section of Nahal David up to the waterfall.
As part of the work, trails and stairs were rebuilt, railings and handrails were installed, and safety infrastructure was restored. The Nature and Parks Authority said part of the planning was also aimed at better coping with future flood events.
The cost of the restoration and infrastructure work stands at about NIS 7 million. Alongside the trail restoration, work was also carried out to protect the reserve’s foyer, including the construction of a protective channel against future flows.
Long-term ecological recovery efforts
The restoration does not end with the trail. The flood damaged more than just the infrastructure visible to hikers. The reserve's ecosystem also suffered damage, including local vegetation and irrigation infrastructure that had been used for years to restore plant life. Following the change in ground conditions, invasive species were also able to enter.
Now the Nature and Parks Authority is moving to the next stage: A long-term ecological restoration project, which received funding of more than NIS 5 million from the Open Areas Protection Fund.
Visitors return to a desert gem
Ein Gedi is one of the most popular nature reserves in Israel. In 2024, about 318,000 hikers visited, while in 2019, the peak year that also included large volumes of incoming tourism, the number of visitors reached about 700,000.
Michal Shomron Amichai, director of the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, said that as part of the restoration, trails and stairs were rebuilt, railings and handrails were installed, and additional safety infrastructure was restored. "We are looking forward to all of Israel returning to hike in the reserve," she said.
Eden Uliel, director of the Arava region at the Nature and Parks Authority, concluded: "When we stood here after the flood and saw entire trails that had disappeared and destroyed infrastructure, it was hard to imagine hikers returning. After hard work, we are happy and excited to invite the Israeli public back to one of the most beloved nature reserves."