A group of adventurers from Tafileh, led by Jordanian explorer Captain Aws Al-Marayat, has launched a new tourist trail named the “Wadi Al-Tawahine Trail.” This route showcases the region’s cultural and historical heritage and stretches approximately 5 kilometers through one of the area’s most scenic natural landscapes.
اضافة اعلان
Located around 35 kilometers northwest of Tafileh city, the trail begins at Wadi Al-Tawahine, which is known for its ancient stone water mill that still preserves its traditional architectural style. The mill tells the story of the region’s history and how grains were ground using the force of water flowing from the high streams of Wadi Al-Hasa.
The trail continues through Wadi Mukhariq and the Soblah area, ending at the shrine of the revered companion Furwah bin Amr Al-Judhami near the Afra hot springs.
Stone water mills were historically used to grind grains in ancient civilizations and are commonly found along several water paths in Tafileh’s valleys. Many of these mills still remain, adding significant archaeological and tourism value to the region.
According to Al-Marayat, the new trail features a uniquely diverse natural setting, including caves from the Cretaceous period and breathtaking rock formations sculpted by natural erosion over time. The route is surrounded by reeds, palm trees, flowing water, and pink-hued rock sections, offering an ideal experience for adventurers seeking geological beauty and variety in terrain.
He noted that the trail is of medium difficulty and requires moderate physical fitness, offering a perfect opportunity for heritage and nature enthusiasts to discover the architectural treasures of Jordan’s mountainous and valley-rich terrain—dubbed the “Amazon of Jordan.”
Al-Marayat highlighted the collaboration with Tafileh’s Tourism Directorate in promoting the area’s remarkable and diverse natural sites, many of which feature waterfalls and continuously flowing springs.
Tafileh Tourism Director, Kholoud Al-Jaraba’ah, stated that the Ministry of Tourism aims to establish more trails in this ecologically and culturally rich region. She described the Wadi Al-Tawahine trail as a medium-length route that represents a qualitative step toward ensuring the sustainability and diversity of the kingdom’s tourist trails.
She added that the ministry is working to develop modern trails to boost tourism development, enhance the region’s tourism potential, and establish Tafileh as a hub for adventure tourism, including climbing, daytime and nighttime hiking, rappelling, and more. These efforts aim to generate new job opportunities for local youth and support the growing adventure tourism movement in the area.
According to Al-Jaraba’ah, the traditional water mills—built from stone and powered by flowing water—operated by rotating wooden wheels that transferred motion to the millstones. Their designs varied in size and wheel shape, and they were used not only to grind grain but also to press grapes and sugarcane using only the force of water, without human or animal labor.
Over the years, Al-Marayat has discovered seven new water and rock-based trails across Tafileh’s northwestern and southern mountains and valleys, walking dozens of kilometers to promote these hidden gems on both local and global tourism maps.
He has completed training in rappelling, long and safe night hiking, wilderness survival, and first aid, and holds certifications from international institutes in Europe and the U.S. specializing in nature exploration and adventure. – Petra
