Have you ever wanted to explore a unique and historic place? If so, then Binyamina Quarry is the perfect destination for you! Binyamina Quarry has a winning location – it is located on the slopes of Ramat Hanadiv, stretches along the well-known Taninim River, spreads over an area of 500 dunams and is a habitat for local animals and birds. The quarry was once an active mining site and today, it offers visitors the opportunity to explore the remains of its past, including ancient mechanical instruments and stunning views from the top of the cliff viewpoint.
Take a fun and close walk at home in the remains of the ancient Binyamina quarry and experience first-hand the history of the place. From the top of the cliff you can witness breathtaking views of the end of the Carmel Mountains (“Hotem Carmel” it called) and the surrounding settlements and enjoy a unique insight into what life in this area was like long ago.
A trip to the cliff lookout at Binyamina Quarry
First, I will start with the guide to the trip to the cliff lookout. If you want to read more information about the quarry, you are welcome to scroll down.
The special cliff lookout of Binyamina Quarry provides an amazing 360 degree view.
Park the car, walk 5-10 minutes (a slight climb on a dirt path) and reach what in my personal opinion – the most beautiful place in the area.
Waze: Binyamina Quarry
And after reaching the place, turn right to the highest point and right with which you can reach with a car on the road.
Walk up the dirt path for 5-10 minutes – depending on you and if you ate breakfast and reach the corner with an improvised wooden bench and an abandoned sofa overlooking Binyamina and the surrounding area, the corner is adjacent to a huge water tank that you can’t miss.
The place is not declared and there are no cleaning services, so clean up after you plus a little bit after others who left dirt (obviously unintentionally).
** Note about the cliff observation point and the entire Binyamina quarry – the area is very dangerous, there are deteriorating rocks so if you reach the cliff observation point be careful and do not approach the edge of the cliff.
A bit of history about Binyamina Quarry
Binyamina Quarry is one of the most well-known and famous quarries throughout the country. It was established in 1930 and was active for 80 years. The quarry was created with a clear goal – to provide local raw materials to help build land for roads and railways throughout the country. The quarry was owned by Solel & Boneh and when World War 2 began, ownership passed to the Lime and Stone Company, which is known and operates in various quarries to this day.
“Even Binyamina” was the desired stone supplied by the quarry. The rocks that were quarried here in Binyamina and the surrounding area were limestone and dolomite, and they were in great demand throughout the country due to being durable and strong stones.
Binyamina quarry activity caused great environmental destruction
After 80 years of operation, the quarry was officially closed in 2007. The reserves of raw materials were fully utilized, therefore the quarrying work ended and its use became in favor of the restoration of the quarry for natural purposes. Driving on 4 road, you can actually see the ugly “bite” left by the quarry on the slopes of Carmel.
Since “Even Sid” finished its work on the site, the quarry has remained abandoned and even poses a safety hazard.
Binyamina quarry rehabilitation – a long and expensive process
Even before the quarry was closed, restoration work began in 1995. The rehabilitation program is funded by the Quarry Rehabilitation Fund and the Binyamina-Givat Ada Local Council and is built in many stages. One of the steps is the purchase of a lease from the Israel Land Authority to the Binyamin council – Givat Ada. To our great joy, the local council received approval for the purchase of the area and thus another step in the rehabilitation plan progressed.
As of 2022, about NIS 9 million have been invested in the expensive restoration process for the quarry.
The goal of the restoration is to turn the abandoned quarry into a tourist attraction with a large park. The park will include organized hiking trails, bicycle trails, lakes from the groundwater in the quarry, natural vegetation, animals and birds.
Schools and kindergartens in the Benjamina Council contribute to the restoration of the quarry by tree planting ceremonies on the holiday of Tu Bashvet.
More places near Binyamina Quarry
Binyamina Quarry is in an amazing location, Nahal Taninim runs right next to the quarry, there is a graffiti complex right next to the parking lot of the cliff lookout and there are amazing routes you can do. A highly recommended route is a short route to the Moran Vardi lookout. You can see him from afar with a huge Israeli flag that can be seen from far away, and at the lookout itself there are signs telling about Moran and his life. The lookout is located in the southwestern part of Ramat Hanadiv and is a 20-minute walk from the cliff observation point of Binyamina Quarry.
