You don’t need to be a professional hiker to enjoy Lebanon’s numerous trails. Jad Abou Arrage, a rural tourism specialist, rounds up a selection of hikes to challenge you this season.
1. THE IRON OAK FOREST, AKKAR DISTRICT
- Level: Easy
- Length: 5km
- Lowest point: 1,345m
- Highest point: 1,528m
Photo – Raed Farram
This trail takes you to one of the most beautiful forests in Lebanon, characterized by iron oak trees which rise to a height of 30m. A warm palette of colors permeates the forest, providing nature photography enthusiasts with a mesmerizing vista from which to draw inspiration. End your hike at sunset to experience the magnificent glow of golden leaves as they rustle gently in the breeze.
Photo – Jad Abou Arrage
Those wishing to extend their hike in the region can complete Section 2 on the Lebanon Mountain Trail between Tashea and Qemmamine, taking in the diversity of Akkar’s juniper, cedar, oak and fir forests, and the astonishing views of Mount Makmel and Jabal Aarouba.
Visit lebanontrail.org for more information.
WHERE TO SLEEP
- QEMMAMINE
Abou Draa Guesthouse (+961 3 817 312), Ali Issa Guesthouse (+961 70 422 453), Abou Moustapha Guesthouse (+961 3 148 668)
- TASHEA
Abou Marwan Guesthouse (+961 6 895 661), Deir Mar Jerjes (+961 3 810 355)
LOCAL GUIDES
- QEMMAMINE
Hussein Abu Draa (+961 3 817 312), Mohamed Taleb (+961 70 937 284)
- FNAIDEQ
Mohamad El Kik (+961 3 526 110), Ahmed El Kik (+961 70 413 681)
2. KFOUR SPRINGS TRAIL, KESERWAN DISTRICT
- Level: Easy
- Length: 6km
- Lowest point: 505m
- Highest point: 785m
Photo – Jad Abou Arrage
The trail is named after the five water sources of the village: Breich’s source, Mikhael’s source, El Kroum’s source, Al Sefsafi’s source and Henbles source. At the start of the trail, hikers can enjoy a scenic view of Jounieh Bay and Beirut’s northern coastline before commencing their walk along the stream and their hike through the dense forest typified by pine, oak, cypress, olive and fruit trees.
Photo – Jad Abou Arrage
A peaceful picnic area with tables and benches is located next to the main water source, providing a perfect spot to take a break and absorb the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
LOCAL GUIDES
Contact the municipality (+961 9 788 707)
3. HORSH EHDEN NATURE RESERVE, ZGHARTA DISTRICT
- Level: All levels
- Length: 2km to 12km
- Lowest point: 1,200m
- Highest point: 2,000m
Photo – Jad Abou Arrage
Horsh Ehden is Lebanon’s most diverse nature reserve, with its rich mix of conifers, deciduous and evergreen broadleaf trees, and its varied terrain. It serves as a prime location for ecotourism activities and a popular destination for those interested in bird watching.
Photo – Jad Abou Arrage
WHERE TO SLEEP
La Reserve Ehden (+961 6 561 092), Ehden Country Club (+961 6 560 651 / 2 / 3), Abchi Hotel (+961 6 561 101 / 2), La Mairie Hotel (+961 6 560 108).
LOCAL GUIDES
Contact the reserve (+961 70 601 601)
4. HADATH EL JEBBEH FOREST, BCHARRE DISTRICT
- Level: Medium
- Length: 9km
- Lowest point: 1,500m
- Highest point: 1,950m
Photo – Jad Abou Arrage
The trail begins at the main entrance of the Hadath el Jebbeh cedars forest, with a pleasant walk on footpaths and dirt roads between the old cedar trees. On the way you’ll pass by the Ain Jeara water source and cross the area of Sahlet el Atcha. From there, turn back to the starting point to enjoy a scenic view of Mount Makmel and Bcharre.
Photo – Jad Abou Arrage
WHERE TO SLEEP
Auberge Hadath el Jebbeh (+961 3 220 756)
LOCAL GUIDES
Contact the municipality (+961 71 680 222)
5. BENTAEL NATURE RESERVE, MOUNT LEBANON
- Level: Easy
- Length: 4km
- Lowest point: 335m
- Highest point: 560m
Photo – Jad Abou Arrage
The reserve provides a network of short distance trails connected through a dense Mediterranean forest of pine and oak trees. High fauna and flora biodiversity characterize Bentael Nature Reserve, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Along the trails you can enjoy the views of several vertical cliffs of bare rock with numerous small, natural caves including the St. John’s rock-cut hermitage and chapel, which date back to the 12th century.
Photo – Jad Abou Arrage
LOCAL GUIDES
Contact the reserve (+961 9 738 330)