The official brochure of the National Park introduces Arbel as "A sheer cliff rising majestically above the Sea of Galilee with a magnificent view of the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon; an ancient community that left remnants of its fine synagogue;trails to a cave-fortress nestled in the rock – these are the Arbel: a nature reserve and national park, a jewel of nature and landscape and an ancient heritage site unparalleled in Israel".
The 'Arbel National Park' is spread in 2,127 acres and it encompasses 460 acres of the national reserve. Mount Arbel (181 meters above sea level or 390 meters above the Sea of Galilee) and Mount Nitay (98 meters above sea level) are the major cliffs in the reserve. Abundant with some unique flora and fauna, Arbel is also famous for its history. Active from the Maccabean period (2nd century BC), Arbel has been associated with King Herod and Josephus. Jesus has preached and performed many miracles in the Valley of Ginnosar at the foot of the Arbel. The towns of Magdala and Capernaum associated with Jesus' public ministry are also located near the valley of Arbel. I believe that there is a high probability of Jesus climbing these cliffs with his disciples for solitude or prayer.
Arbel is often mentioned in both the Mishnah and Talmud. Some famous Jewish sages like Nitai HaArbeli (2nd Cent. BC), Rabbi Zeira (3rd to 4th Cent AD) and Rabbi Hezekiah (3rd Cent AD) are said to be buried here though their graves are not identifiable today. Interestingly, there is even a certain Jewish tradition that the burial sites of Reuben, Levi and Dina (children of Jacob) and Seth (son of Adam) are in Arbel!
There are several hiking trails marked inside the park, from 30 minutes short walk to more demanding steep routes that can easily take 4-5 hours.We took some of the lengthiest trails. It was a bit tiresome feeling to walk under the scorching heat. However, the breathtaking views offered by Arbel's summit together with knowing its glorious past was a rewarding experience.
