Keshet Cave Cliff
December 30th 2014
The site known as Keshet Cave is located in the Upper Galilee, just a few miles from Israel’s border with Lebanon. Long ago, there was an actual cave here, but it collapsed, leaving and just part of the arched limestone ceiling intact. Pottery artifacts found by archeologists at the site date back more than 3,000 years, to the time when Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River into what was then called Canaan.
At more than 1,300 feet above sea level, the magical view through the arch frames the Western Galilee and the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea (In Hebrew, the word “keshet” literally means arch, bow or rainbow). From this spot, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the Haifa Bay, the grottoes of Rosh HaNikra, the Carmel Mountain, Mount Meron and the Yehi’am Fortress. Below are the meandering waters of the Bezet Stream.
The height can make it a little unnerving for some, but for thrill-seekers, Keshet Cave offers a heart-pumping romp. Rappelling from the arch to the remains of the original cave floor 165 feet below is a popular activity for extreme sports enthusiasts. You can also take the thrill up a notch by leaving the relative security of the cave wall and swinging free under the arch. Anchors to fasten rappelling ropes are embedded into the arch, and a secure guardrail keeps both rappellers and observers safe. Once at the bottom, a hiking trail leads back up to the parking lot.
Although all this extreme sports action may seem like Keshet Cave is only suitable for a select group of visitors, there is a tamer side to the attraction. Leading off from the larger of the two parking lots is a paved, fully wheelchair-accessible path to the cave, allowing even non-rappellers to enjoy the view. Don’t be surprised if you end up sharing the road with grazing goats and badgers, though.
Keshet Cave, part of the Adamit Mountains, is located within Adamit Park. Entrance to the cave is free and open all year long. The caves of Sarach and Nahal Namer are also located nearby.
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