Neve Ilan and HaMichlalot Forests

The Neve Ilan Forest extends west of the village of Neve Ilan. Before entering the main part of the forest, you can visit old Neve Ilan, which served as a military post during the War of Independence. A scenic road that turns west from Neve Ilan leads to several sites, including the Loki Scenic Lookout and a sculpture garden. Near the forest, at its western end, is Hurvat Metzad (Metzad Ruins), which contains remains of Metzad from the Roman period. You can reach Metzad on foot or in a 4X4 vehicle.
 
The Benny Kaplan Recreation Area – at the western end of the forest, near the sculpture garden. The recreation area has a few picnic tables, some of them wheelchair-accessible. You can walk up a short path to Hurvat Metzad from the recreation area.
 
Directions: Enter Neve Ilan. After about 400 m you get to old Neve Ilan. Continue for about 400 m until you reach a traffic circle. Turn left and after about 100 m, at the next traffic circle, turn right, and next to the Kedma Events Hall you will see the KKL-JNF road marking (in black), which directs you to HaMichlalot Forest and Hurvat Metzad.
Beni Kaplan recreation area. Photograph: Yakov Shkolnik, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Beni Kaplan recreation area. Photograph: Yakov Shkolnik, KKL-JNF Photo Archive