the trail, at 859 m. Heading east onto the Arad Plateau, the route passes through the archaeological site of Tel Arad, to then pass enter the city of Arad itself. Negev Leaving the city, the route passes into The Negev Desert. It goes over Mount Qina, and then along the river of Nahal Kanfan. Much later, it passes through the Roman archaeological site of Mezad Tamar. Heading south, it reaches an observation point on the rim of HaMakhtesh HaKatan, the first of the three Makhtesh the trail sees; it passes through and comes close to the gap (centre). Later, the route passes through Mezad Tzafir, an ancient Roman stronghold that was a part of the Limes (frontier). It follows Nahal Hatira for a short while, along which is the Hatira Waterfall, the highest dry waterfall in Israel, then passing another Roman stronghold, Meizad Yorkeam. Next, the route climbs Mount Karbolet, the collapsed southern rim of HaMakhtesh HaGadol, and then follows Nahal Afran. It then enters the Zin Valley, to cross Nahal Zin. It reaches the peak of Mount Akev, the spring of Ein Akev, and the river of Nahal Akev. It then passes through Ein Shaviv Oasis. Further along, it passes by Mezad Mahmal, a fort used to protect spice trading routes. Then it enters the town of Mizpe Ramon. Mizpe Ramon is on the edge of Makhtesh Ramon, the largest Makhtesh in the world. The route enters, taking many days to cross it, and comes close to Ein Saharonim, the deepest point. After leaving the Makhtesh, it passes by the ancient caravanserai of Moa, and goes through both Barak and Vardit Canyons. It passes Kasui Sand Dunes, then into Timna Valley Park, with Mount Timna and Solomons Pillars, all within Timna Valley. Lastly, the route reaches Eilat, on the Red Sea, the final destination of the trail and its southern-most point. Cultural references The trail is featured prominently in Israeli author David Grossman's 2008 novel To the End of the Land. In that story the mother of an Israeli soldier takes to the trail to occupy and distract herself while her son is engaged in a military operation. See also Tourism in Israel Geography of Israel List of long-distance footpaths Derech HaTeva Wildlife of Israel Sea to sea trail Jerusalem Trail - the extension of the trail into Jerusalem References Further reading Bortoletto, Linda (2019). Le Chemin des anges