Climb the cliffs of Arbel National Park

In Israel's Lower Galilee region, majestic cliffs stretch more than 900 feet into the sky. From afar, they're breathtaking – but just wait until you climb to the top.

Mount Arbel National Park and Nature Reserve, encompassing more than 2,000 acres, is one of Israel's most popular hiking spots, and understandably so. Every trail you take leads you to views more spectacular than the last. (No wonder this is a stop on the Israel National Trail!)

Mount Arbel is a lovely sight on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. (Photo: Steve Conger/Flickr)

The mountain itself was formed by the geological movement of the Jordan Rift Valley.

Nothing beats this view of the green landscape of Galilee! (Photo: Aprilphoto/Shutterstock)

From the top of Mount Arbel, hikers can gaze out at the lush landscape of Galilee, admire Israel's tallest peak, Mount Hermon, and catch glimpses of birds, wolves, bats and more.

For those daring enough to reach the cliff's edge, the view is ever so rewarding. (Photo: Evgeny Subbotsky/Shutterstock)

Another spectacular view offered by these cliffs is an overlook of the massive lake, the Sea of Galilee.

Don't look down! The Arbel cliffs tower more than 900 feet over the surrounding landscape. (Photo: Maurice T/Flickr)

But the downward view is not for the faint of heart! Adventurers have the opportunity to grab onto metal handholds and climb down a 1,300-foot cliffside – or to dive from this certified base-jumping site.

The lone carob tree atop Mount Arbel is a must-see for hikers. (Photo: Oleg Zaslavsky/Shutterstock)

The carob tree landmark is a brief 30-minute hike from the park's entrance.

Mount Arbel's cliffs are perched at the top of a beautiful green hill. (Photo: Izhar Laufer/Flickr)

These cliffs are home to several ancient dwellings. A 3-hour hike takes visitors to a fascinating cave fortress.

Cyclamen flowers grow at the base of the cliffs of Arbel, adding a soft beauty to the setting. (Photo: Itamar Grinberg for Israel Tourism/Flickr)

The area around the mountain is also worth exploring. A 2-3 hour hike to Arbel Spring is more advanced but worth every step.

A crescent moon rises next to Mount Arbel at dusk. (Photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Shutterstock)