This is a circular ride on the security road around Ma’ale Adumim. A security road does not sound that exciting - but this one is. Much of the time, you feel as if you are cycling far from the city. Rather you are in the desert overlooking wadis and Bedouin encampments and experiencing spectacular views of the hills of the Judean desert. Ma'ale Adumim is built on top of interconnected hills and much of this ride is on moderately flat roads except for a long last section which has a moderate elevation.
Ma’ale Adumim is an extremely well-planned garden city, with spacious parks, play areas and roads lined with palms and colorful shrubs. This alone makes it worth a visit.
Shamir Park in Ma'ale Adumim is a good place to leave younger members of your family and a non-cyling spouse while you hit the trail. There is boating on the lake, green lawns for relaxing, dairy and meat restaurants, and during the summer months kids' activities and rides. But there are not a lot of benches on the lawns and no picnic tables. Entrance to the park is free, but the boat rides are not. The disadvantage of using this park as a starting point is that there is a 1¾-mile ride up the hill to the start of the trail, although the incline is not excessively steep.
Distance: 11 km (from the rehabilitation hospital)
Difficulty: Most of the trail is on paved roads and suitable for thin-wheeled or hybrid bikes. The ride is moderately flat, except for the last section, which is a long uphill with a moderate elevation. About 80% of the trail has a barrier or fence between the road and the side of the wadis, and is therefore suitable for responsible children. For the other 20% they will need to be careful.
Starting point: There are two possible starting points - either from Shamir Park or from the parking lot of the rehabiliation hospital on Har Habayit close to the center of town .
Directions from Jerusalem: Enter "Shamir Park" on Waze and click on פארק שמיר/דרך הר הצופים". Take the slip road to Ma’aleh Adumim (route 471) from route 1 and then the central entrance (which is well marked) to Maale Adumim. Shortly before the security check is Shamir Park on the left. Park here or continue into town. At the second roundabout (roundabout #3), which contains a large dove statue, turn right on Har Habayit. At the next roundabout (roundabout #2), turn left on Dereck Zemach Ha’Sade. Just after the bus stop on the right, turn right into the parking lot of a non-active rehabilitation hospital and park your car here.
A view of the Judean desert from the bicycle path overlooking one of the many Bedouin encampments in the wadis around Maale Adumim
Ma'ale Adumim is at a transition zone for vegetation, having vegetation typical for both the Judean Mountains and Judean Desert.
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