Jerusalem Metropolitan Park, Metropolitan nature park in Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem Metropolitan Park is a 1,500-hectare metropolitan park around Jerusalem, made up of four parks: Refaim Valley to the south, Motza Valley to the west, and Arazim Valley and Nahal Tzofim to the north. It is a joint project of the Jewish National Fund, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the Jerusalem Municipality and the Jerusalem Development Authority. Most of it is open natural land with walking and bicycle paths, plus small areas for gardens and sports facilities.

The land was acquired in 1906, and in 1920 eight families settled there during a period of regional tensions. This early settlement shaped the development of the later park and its surroundings.

Sculptor Eliezer Weishoff designed the 9/11 memorial in the park: a bronze US flag shaped as a memorial flame, with a piece of aluminium from the wreckage set into its base. The names of the 2,779 victims are inscribed on the walls around the plaza. The monument was inaugurated in 2009.

The area is accessible from several entry points, and it is best to visit in good weather when trails are easier to navigate. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as some sections offer limited shade.

The park's four component parks wrap around central Jerusalem on three sides: Refaim Valley to the south, Motza Valley to the west, and Arazim Valley with Nahal Tzofim to the north. The 2011 bike trail in Emek Ha'arazim runs 5 kilometers from near the remains of a Crusader fortress to Motza, by the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway.