Lebanon’s mountains are filled with hiking trails, but not all are suited for younger explorers. The best kid-friendly hikes are those that balance manageable distances with engaging landscapes, offering just enough challenge to keep things exciting. We highlight five hiking trails across the country that are well-suited for families.
The Peony Trail, Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve
The Peony Trail is a 2.5 to 3-kilometer easy-to-moderate hike, taking around one and a half to two hours to complete. The trail is well-marked and follows a gentle path through diverse terrain, including oak forests and open clearings. Along the way, hikers encounter seasonal wildflowers, including the rare peony, as well as Roman inscriptions carved into rock. Located within the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, the area is known for its biodiversity and cultural heritage, offering an accessible introduction to both nature and history.
Forest Trails, Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve
Horsh Ehden offers a network of short hiking loops ranging from 1.5 to 3 kilometers, with easy to moderate levels of difficulty. Most trails take between one and two hours to complete and pass through dense, shaded forest. The reserve is home to a wide variety of plant species and wildlife, making it ideal for exploratory hikes. Located above Ehden, the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve spans a rich ecological zone known for its biodiversity, cool climate and well-maintained trails.
Cedar Trails, Shouf Biosphere Reserve
The cedar trails in Barouk range from 2 to 4 kilometers and are considered easy to moderate, with mostly gentle slopes. Hikes typically take between one and two hours. The trails pass through one of Lebanon’s largest cedar forests, with wide paths and open spaces suitable for families. The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Lebanon, known for its ancient cedar trees, traditional villages and extensive trail network.
Waterfall Trail, Tannourine Cedar Reserve
The waterfall trail in the Tannourine Cedar Reserve is an easy-to-moderate 2 to 3-kilometer hike, taking approximately one and a half to two hours. The path leads through cedar forest and rocky terrain toward seasonal waterfalls, which serve as a natural highlight. Along the way, hikers pass karst formations and shaded sections of forest. Tannourine is known for its dramatic landscapes, including cliffs, caves and one of the country’s largest cedar forests.
Cedar Trail, Jaj Forest Cedar Nature Reserve
The cedar trail in the Jaj Cedar Forest Cedar Nature Reserve is an easy hike, taking around one to one and a half hours to complete, depending on the chosen route. The trail follows gentle paths through a small cluster of ancient cedar trees and open mountain terrain. Along the way, hikers can observe unique rock formations and the reserve’s geological features, recently highlighted through a dedicated geotrail. Located above the village of Jaj in the Byblos district, the reserve is known for its quiet atmosphere and well-preserved natural landscape.
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If you enjoyed reading this, check out our mini guide to Tannourine.
