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A Lebanese Blog

Tag: forest

  • Discover Lebanon: Top Hiking Trails to Explore

    Lebanon is packed with diverse and enchanting hiking routes that offer everything from spiritual valleys to serene forests and dramatic mountain summits. Here are some of our most beloved trails:

    1. Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT)

    • Overview: A 470 km long-distance trail stretching from Andaket in the north to Marjayoun in the south, cutting through 76+ towns and villages with varied terrain.
    • Experience: Hike in segments or tackle the entire route, staying in charming guesthouses along the way.
    • Highlights: Traverse through Qadisha Valley and Cedars of God; explore side trails like Baskinta Literary Trail, Bkassine Pine Forest, or the Valley of Hell for dramatic landscapes and cultural depth.

    2. Qadisha Valley (Kadisha Gorge)

    • Why Go: A UNESCO World Heritage gem filled with cliffside monasteries and lush scenery—one of Lebanon’s most spiritual and scenic hikes.
    • Insider Tip: Stay at Karaz or Beit Mirna guesthouses in Ehden for easy access and local hospitality.

    3. Cedars of God & Bcharre Forest

    • Significance: Walk among ancient cedar trees that are symbols of Lebanese heritage—some dating back millennia.
    • Bonus: Combine with a visit to the Khalil Gibran museum in Bcharre for a cultural twist.

    4. Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve

    • Scope: The largest natural reserve in Lebanon at 550 km², hosting cedar forests, 200 bird species, and rich biodiversity.
    • Why Hike: Trails of varying difficulty weave through serene cedar groves, panoramic viewpoints, and abundant flora and fauna.

    5. Tannourine Reserve & Baatara Gorge (Balou’ Balaa)

    • Tannourine: Dense cedar forest and dramatic terrain—perfect for nature lovers.
    • Baatara Gorge: A jaw-dropping waterfall plunging 255 m into a limestone sinkhole—best experienced in spring when meltwater peaks.

    6. Baskinta Literary Trail

    • Trail Profile: A 22–24 km themed route celebrating literary figures like Mikhail Naimy and Amin Maalouf—combined with beautiful views of Mount Sannine.
    • Why It Stands Out: Blends cultural immersion with scenic hiking and even offers snowshoeing in winter.

    7. Bkassine Pine Forest

    • Landscape: Among Lebanon’s largest pine forests—ideal for peaceful walks Amid Jezzine and Niha.
    • Amazing Views: The 22 km trail from Jezzine to Niha offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean and lush valleys.

    8. Hidden Gems & Nature Trails

    • Chouwen Trail to Blue Lagoon: In Jabal Moussa, a shaded moderate hike ending in a turquoise swimming spot.
    • Bentael Nature Reserve: Near Byblos, this reserve offers 18 well-marked trails through pine-oak woodlands—great for families.
    • Mseilha Walkway: A relaxed, scenic path near Batroun, with views of the historic Mseilha Fort—beginners friendly.
    • Kfour Springs Trail: In Keserwan, a 6 km easy hike through multi-tree forests with coastal vistas—ideal for a nature break close to Beirut.
    • Iron Oak Forest, Akkar: A golden-tinged forest trail through towering iron oaks—beautiful at sunset.
    • Ouyoun Orghosh & Sawfar: Perfect autumn hikes—filled with fall colors, springs, and cultural immersion.

  • Giveaway – Weekend stay for two at Pinea Campus

    Pinea Campus (5)

    Pinea Campus is one of the few campsites I know about in Lebanon. The place is located in Haitoura, Jezzine and spreads on a 3,000 sqm land that is surrounded by a large stone pines forest.

    Pinea Campus can currently accommodate more than 50 campers throughout the summers in high quality waterproof tents that can fit 2 to 8 people each, which is pretty suitable in my opinions for couples, families and even group of friends. The amenities also include camping mattresses, covers and pillows, toilets, and showers.

    Pinea Campus (3) Pinea Campus (2)

    Aside from camping, several outdoor activities are available such as ATV rides, trap shooting (tiro), biking, and hiking. Moreover, you can enjoy a BBQ for lunch every Sunday.

    For more information about the tent rental and activities fees, make sure to check their website here. (Specifically the “Camping” and “Activities” pages)

    Pinea Campus (4)

    Now if you’re already tempted to spend a weekend getaway there, the great people at Pinea Campus are offering a camping stay for two including the tent rental and breakfast for free. To get it, just leave a comment on this post and I’ll be randomly choosing a winner by Thursday night.

    Update:

    Youmna, you’ve got mail. 🙂 Mabrouk!

  • Shouf Cedar Reserve

    I’ve always heard people talking about the Shouf cedar reserve, but I never knew it was really that nice until I visited it last weekend thanks to a couple of friends.

    We were originally planning a visit to Maaser El-Shouf village but then got tempted to continue further to the cedar reserve, the largest nature reserve in Lebanon containing 25% of the country’s cedars, and to our luck there was some festival ongoing in Maaser and shuttle service to and from the reserve was offered for free.

    Entrance tickets are at 5,000L.L, and once you’re inside you’ll get to choose among 3 hiking paths with different lengths and each showing you different parts of the reserve. We chose the shortest one, a 1.2Km walk that took around 25-30 minutes to complete with awesome views and feel. Definitely worth a visit especially if you’re showing some tourists around the country.