If you want to go off roads but not too far from the city of Muscat, visit Wadi Al Abyad in Nakhal which can be reached in approximately an hour's time. According to Oman's Ministry of Tourism, "This wadi is about 30 km (18.5 miles) away from the main Muscat – Sohar road, where it extends west of Wilayat Nakhl, Al Batinah South Governorate . It is 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) away from Wilayat centre."
Known for its abundant fresh water springs and year-round streams it is known to be a haven for many animals and birds, and supports numerous plants.
"The name of the wadi is in reference to the white colour of its water pools, which is likely due to carbonate rocks in the region (although to our own eyes, they just looked like normal coloured pools).Wadi Al Abyad is an easily accessible wadi that can be reached from Muscat in under an hour. The wadi offers its visitors a nice trekking path, some fresh water pools and many plants and palms on both sides of the wadi, making it a nice place for an easy hike or for families to picnic on a nice day." adds the Ministry of Tourism.
Wadi Al Abyad is known for the water pools and the ophiolite rocks along with several plants and shrubs. Ensure that you travel through the landscape in a 4x4 vehicle.