15+ Perfect Hiking Spots In Lebanon For When You Need To Get Away
With everything that is going on in Lebanon as well as around the world, people feel the need to hide from reality; and what better place is there to hide than in the heart of nature?
We've brought you 18 perfect hiking spots in Lebanon, so you can embrace nature and appreciate the good it has to offer:
#1 Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve
Open Souq
This is the largest nature reserve in Lebanon. It stretches from Dahr El-Baidar in the north to Niha Mountain in the South and has an area of 550 km2, which is nearly 5.3% of the Lebanese territory.
The reserve's most famous attractions are the cedar forests of Maasser El-Shouf, Barouk, and Ain Zhalta - Bmohary.
Claude Abou Chacra
In this reserve in the Chouf district , you will find not only 2,000-year-old trees but if you're lucky enough you'll get to see some of its 32 species of wild mammals, its 200 species of birds, and its 500 species of plants.
People come to Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve to hike, mountain bike, or snowshoe, but also to get a glimpse at its rich habitat.
#2 Balou' Bala'a
This Big Wild World
Balou Balaa, or the Baatara Gorge Waterfall, is near Balaa in Tannourine, Lebanon. This waterfall drops 255 meters into the Balaa pothole.
The cave, known as The Cave Of The Three Bridges is of Jurassic limestone.
Balou Balaa is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers in Lebanon.
#3 Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve
Arz Tannourine, or the Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve , is one of the largest and densest cedar forests in Lebanon.
It covers 12 square km.
The 70,000 ancient trees, 80% of which are cedars, are not the only attractions in the reserve. The rocky hiking trails are a big hit, too.
The hike may be hard, but the journey is worth it! The reserve is known for its various types of birds and wild animals .
#4 Baskinta
Gaby Awad
Baskinta is one of the highest villages in Lebanon. It is known for its natural environment and moderate climate.
In this village, there is a 9-kilometer route that starts at a memorial garden dedicated to Mikhail Neaimy and ends at the house of the writer Suleiman Kettaneh.
Marj Baskinta is also a must-see. The village is becoming a cycling spot for mountain biking amateurs with plenty of technical off-road trails.
#5 Qadisha Valley
arageek
Qadisha valley, or Wadi Qadisha , is a gorge that lies within the Bcharre and Zgharta districts in North Lebanon.
Sometimes called the Holy Valley, Wadi Qadisha is located at the foot of Mount Al Makhmal and is carved by the Qadisha River that reaches Tripoli .
This valley is one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world.
The Qadisha Valley is near the Forest of The Cedars of God, or the Bcharri Cedar Forest, a hiking spot you'll read about in the next point: