Sharon National Park

The 1500 acres of the Sharon National Park comprise a relatively large and uninterrupted slice of natural landscape, containing all the elements typical of the coastal plain. The park`s green vista and open area separate the built-up Hadera area from the equally built-up Netanya area. In effect, without the Sharon Forest National Park the coastal plain would likely become just a string of urban settlements. The borders of the park are: to the east - the old Haifa-Tel Aviv highway (Route 4); to the west - the coastline; to the north - the area south of the Givat Olga neighborhood; to the south - Mihmoret and the Hefer Valley industrial area. The Alexander River National Park abuts the southern border of the park.

Landscape in the Sharon National Park:

Seashore - A magnificent three-kilometer sandstone cliff runs along most of the coastline. The remaining sandy strip is five meters across at its widest point. As the rocks on the shore and the sandstone itself are eroded, they create lovely lagoons and natural bays, one of which was dubbed Sinai Bay. Typical seaside flora and fauna make their homes on the narrow sandy strip. The beach is sandy on the northern and southern edges of the sandstone ridge.

Sand dunes - At one time, much of the Sharon was covered by shifting sands, but this changed due to large-scale construction. About 125 acres of sand dunes survived to the north and south of the Alexander River. The sands contain an enclave of desert life and typical desert flora grow in this arid, sandy habitat.
Park forest - This area was once covered with a lush park forest, composed of widely spaced carob trees, lentisks, and Mount Tabor oaks. Bit by bit the park forest was destroyed and now Sharon National Park is the last significant remnant of this natural formation. In the winter and spring, the area between the trees is awash with flowers.