Going out into nature is something most of us don't think twice about. You grab some water, put on your shoes and head out. For a person who gets around in a wheelchair, or a family hiking with a child with a disability, every trip starts with questions: Is there parking? Is there a path? What happens when the asphalt ends?
In this article we have gathered information on accessible hikes in Israel, where to find accessible trails and which rights are worth knowing. And because inclusion in society does not end on a nature trail, we also introduce ventures operating at Alumot that open doors in nature, at work and in services.
Where can you find accessible trails in Israel?
The main official source is the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Its website has a page that gathers recommendations for trails made accessible for people with limited mobility, from north to south, and a detailed accessibility page that sets out, for every nature reserve and national park, exactly what has been made accessible.
The Authority's list of recommendations includes, among others:
- Ein Afek Nature Reserve: an accessible path through a landscape of marshes and lakes.
- Einot Tzukim Nature Reserve: an accessible path in a desert oasis, with a dip in the water.
- Masada in an accessible version, including watching the sunrise.
- Nabi Samuel, a heritage site near Jerusalem.
- Caesarea National Park: an accessible trail among antiquities.
- Gan HaShlosha (Sakhne) National Park and also Qumran Park.
- Coral Beach Nature Reserve in Eilat: an accessible walk to the reef.
The Authority notes that every trail comes with detailed guidance: which parts are accessible, how to get around them, and what service facilities, shade and restrooms are on site.
Wheelchair-accessible trails: a few examples
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority's accessibility page, updated in January 2026, goes through the sites one by one. A few examples from it:
- Gamla Nature Reserve: the "Vulture Trail" is defined as accessible to wheelchair users. It is a circular concrete path 600 meters long, with a very gentle slope.
- Tel Dan Nature Reserve: a floating wooden boardwalk that passes through dense vegetation, with lookout points and small bridges over the stream, all the way to the wading pools.
- Nahal Iyyun (Tanur) Nature Reserve: on the short route, a circular asphalt walking path and a viewing balcony overlooking the Tanur Waterfall have been made accessible.
- Hula Nature Reserve: concrete paths linking the points of interest, including a circular path with a lookout, a wooden bridge and an observation hide overlooking the lake.
- Nahal Meshushim Nature Reserve: the accessible "Lookouts Trail", 300 meters long, with two lookouts, audio guidance and benches.
- Coral Beach Nature Reserve: a gentle route into the water accompanied by a ranger, and a wheelchair adapted for entering the water, free of charge, in exchange for leaving an ID card or driver's license.
- Achziv National Park: concrete and asphalt paths down to the wet sand line, and people who use a wheelchair may drive into the park.
It is important to know that at many sites only part of the trail is accessible. The Authority explains that accessibility work is done carefully, so as not to harm nature, the landscape or antiquities, and so in some places there is a lookout point or illustrated signage instead of a path. Before heading out, check the site's page and the latest alerts, and ask the Authority's call center at *3639.
A few tips for planning an accessible trip
- Check the specific site's page, not only the general list, so you know which part of the trail is accessible and where the parking is.
- Plan around the time of day: in summer it is better to set out early, and make sure there is shade and accessible restrooms along the way.
- Bring the right documents, such as a disability card, to use the companion exemption or accessible parking.
- Ask in advance at the Authority's call center or at the site itself, especially after winter or maintenance work.
Which rights are worth knowing before a trip?
- Free entry for a companion: according to Kol Zchut, places that provide a service to the public and charge an entrance fee may not charge the person accompanying someone with a disability, depending on the eligible groups and on showing the appropriate card. The exemption does not apply when the companion is given a personal service or a separate seat, or on public transportation.
- Arranging an accessible visit: the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has an accessible online form for arranging a visit, for those who cannot book a place through the regular booking system. The response time is 48 hours.
- Accessible parking: accessible parking has been provided at various sites, and at some of them entering the parking area requires showing a disability card.
And what do you do when the trail isn't accessible?
This is where the story of Bishvila begins. The venture enables people with all types of disabilities to hike nature trails that are not accessible, using special chairs, free of charge.
Bishvila was founded in 2021 by Lia Ben-Shach, then 16, in memory of her grandmother Yehudit, who died of ALS. Since then the venture has enabled hundreds of people to experience nature in a way they no longer thought they would. The hikes take place once a month, each time in a different place: Zichron Ya'akov, Karmei Yosef, Jerusalem, Lahav Forest and more. Each hike has 8 to 10 riders using a trekker chair, and 70 to 80 volunteers who accompany them. We told the full story in our article Nature belongs to everyone: the story of Bishvila.
Employment for people with disabilities: what does the law say?
Inclusion in society also runs through the workplace. According to Kol Zchut:
- An employer with at least 25 employees must act to ensure appropriate representation of people with disabilities among its employees.
- In a workplace with 100 employees or more, representation is considered appropriate if at least 3% of the employees are people with disabilities. In the public sector the requirement is higher.
- The employer must act, among other things, by providing workplace accommodations, and the state participates in funding the accommodations.
- It is permitted to give preference in hiring or promotion to people with disabilities when their qualifications are similar to those of other candidates.
TovTech: training people and bringing them into high-tech
TovTech is a social tech venture that operates as an incubator for training people with disabilities and integrating them into key roles in the tech industry. The venture harnesses AI tools to create fair hiring processes based on skills alone.
The goal is placement in core positions, in software development and data analysis, with an emphasis on quality, long-term employment, alongside training and support tailored to both the employee and the hiring organization. According to the venture, 50 participants are active in the employment incubator program funded by the Ministries of Health and Welfare, and 30 participants are active in a Data and AI course funded by the Ministry of Economy. Activities take place remotely.
Accessible services: a conversation is a path too
For a deaf person, a conversation with a call center, a doctor or a clerk can be as big an obstacle as a step. Sign Now enables people with disabilities to communicate with service providers through adapted communication mediators, in Israel and around the world.
According to the venture, it has already provided 50,000 minutes of conversation for deaf people, in person and remotely, from everyday services to saving lives. The venture operates on 5 continents and invites government ministries, businesses and local authorities to make their call centers and in-person services accessible through it.
How is Alumot connected?
Bishvila, TovTech and Sign Now operate within Alumot, the home for social startups. Since 2012, more than 60 ventures have been founded at Alumot across the country, and each one receives full organizational, financial and legal support, with no need to set up a nonprofit.
Bishvila, for example, began with one 16-year-old girl who saw a need in her own family. If you too have an idea that could open a door for people with disabilities, we wrote about the first steps in our article on social startups.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a list of accessible hikes?
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority website has a page called "Trails accessible for people with limited mobility" and an accessibility page that sets out what has been made accessible at each nature reserve and national park. Check the site's page before every outing.
Does the companion of a person with a disability have to pay for entry?
According to Kol Zchut, public places that charge an entrance fee may not charge the companion of a person with a disability, depending on the eligible groups and on showing the appropriate card. There are exceptions, for example when the companion is given a separate seat.
Who can take part in Bishvila's hikes?
Bishvila is open to people with all types of disabilities, and the hikes are free. For registration details, contact the venture through its page on our site.
How do I volunteer on Bishvila's hikes?
Each hike is accompanied by 70 to 80 volunteers, and the venture has 60 regular volunteers. The venture's contact details are on its page.
I'm an employer who wants to hire employees with disabilities. Who should I contact?
You can turn to ventures such as TovTech, which trains and supports people with disabilities for roles in technology. Official information on the appropriate representation requirement and on funding for accommodations is available on the Ministry of Labor website and on Kol Zchut.
Want to hike, volunteer or support? Get to know Bishvila, or all of Alumot's ventures.
The information in this article is general and updated for 2026. Accessibility at nature sites changes, so check with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority before every trip.