Tel Dan Nature Reserve, Nature reserve near Mount Hermon, Israel

Tel Dan Nature Reserve is a protected area in the Hula Valley with forests, springs, and archaeological remains spread across roughly half a square kilometer. The landscape is crisscrossed by trails that connect ancient ruins and natural water sources feeding into the Jordan River.

Archaeological digs reveal that settlement at this site began in the 18th century BCE and continued through many periods of history. Key discoveries like city walls, gates, and an important inscribed stone show how important the place was in ancient times.

The name comes from the tribe of Dan, which settled here during biblical times and shaped the early community. Visitors can see this reflected in how the archaeological remains are spread across the landscape, marking where people once lived and gathered.

The reserve is well set up for visitors: there are accessible trails, an information center to learn about the site, and picnic areas for resting. A shallow wading pool offers refreshment on warm days, making it easy to spend several hours exploring at your own pace.

The orange salamander reaches the southern limit of its range here, arriving via the Syrian-African Rift; the reserve also marks the southernmost habitat of the bog fern. A 2008 fire, apparently arson, burned 50 dunams and destroyed a 2,000-year-old Atlantic terebinth whose remains are still on display.