Twins Cave Wadi Dolev

Nachal Dolev Reserve
Near Bet Shemesh
Israel

Hiking Trails:
Twins Cave (Hateumim) Trail

Total Time: 1:05
Estimated Distance: 1.1 Miles

Pros: Scenic area, fascinating cave
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BKHsPv5j27WUfb3x8

Hiking Partner:
Judah Friedman

Back in November I made a trip to Israel and went to the Twins Cave (Maareh HaTeumim) near Bet Shemesh in the Nachal Dolev (Wadi Dolev) Reserve. The cave was closed for the wintering of the bats and we couldn't explore. Now in the summer the cave was open and we were able to explore the cave. We took the the Twins Cave (Hateumim) Trail to the cave, and went in the path in the cave to the end.

It's a large wild cave with stalagmites and stalactites, and is completely dark so a flashlight is needed. There were lots of bats present sleeping on the ceiling and they were making squeaking sounds. After exploring the cave and leaving, we headed back along the same route back to the trailhead.

Wild Gazelle Near the Trailhead

Information Plaques at the Trailhead

Hiking Trail

Entrance to the Cave

Fig Tree Growing Out of the Cave

Sign in the Cave

Inside the Cave

On the Way Back

Tallman Mountain South Loop

Tallman Mountain State Park
Rockland Co.
New York

Hiking Trails:
Orange Trail: Orange blaze
Long Path: Green blaze
Cliff Trail: Unblazed

Total Time: 1:05 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.5 Miles

Pros: Scenic views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YibPK9hoSW6HZzAy9

I haven't been to the South part of Tallman Mountain in some time. It was rainy and there was rain in the forecast, so I knew what I was in for. I parked in the large parking area near the park entrance, and took the Yellow Trail to the Long Path. I took the Long Path south along the edge, and then when the Long Path split, I continued along the unmarked trail that goes along the trail. 

There is one good view on this trail, and after the view took the trail back to the Long Path. It started raining steady at this point so I went quicker to get back. I took another unmarked trail which I took back to the Yellow Trail and then back to my car.

Map of the Route

Orange Trail

Long Path

First View

Main View, Near the South end of the Park

View of the Tappan Zee Bridge

Small Pond in the South End of the Park

Ruins at the South End

Long Path

Long Path Boardwalk Over Marshy Area

Pond

North Hook Mountain Ridge

Hook Mountain State Park
Rockland Co.
New York

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze

Total Time: 0:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.3 Miles

Pros: Good climb and great river views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Figure 8 Loop
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fZCjmaoNXZhwxty58

This is a great loop hike that is short and sweet. I parked at the end of the road at Rockland Lake landing, and took the Long Path up the mountain towards the south. Near the top there is an unmarked spur trail that goes along the top of the cliff area with amazing views of the Hudson River along the ridge. I continued along this trail back to the Long Path, and then took the Long Path back down. I then took a short unmarked Spur to the road and then walked along the road back to my car.

Map of the Route

Plaque about the Knickerbocker Ice Company on the Former Site

Ruins from the Knickerbocker Ice Company

Ascending the Long Path

View of the Hudson River and Ossining

View Facing West

View Across the River

Tappan Zee Bridge

Steep Cliffs

Boys Scout Equipment Along the Trail

More Ruins