Discover the best hiking in Lebanon! Our complete guide covers the top trails in Qadisha Valley, the Chouf Cedars, and stunning waterfalls. Plan your adventure today.
Beyond the vibrant energy of its cities and the charm of its coastline lies the true heart of Lebanon: its majestic mountains, ancient valleys, and breathtaking natural landscapes. For those willing to step off the beaten path, hiking in Lebanon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the country’s raw beauty, rich history, and incredible biodiversity. This is where you’ll find the soul of Lebanon’s nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker looking for a challenging new trail or a family seeking a beautiful weekend walk, this guide is for you. We’ll take you through some of the most iconic hiking destinations, from the sacred Qadisha Valley to the magnificent Cedars of the Chouf, and give you the tips you need to plan your perfect outdoor adventure.
The Crown Jewel: Hiking in the Qadisha Valley
There is no hiking experience in Lebanon more iconic or spiritually profound than a trek through the Qadisha Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this sacred valley is a place of staggering beauty and deep historical significance. Carved by the Qadisha River over millennia, its sheer cliffs are dotted with ancient monasteries and hermitages, some of which have been in continuous use for centuries.
Why It’s a Must-Do: The trails here are more than just paths; they are ancient pilgrimage routes. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of nature and the echoes of history. It’s a place for quiet contemplation and awe-inspiring views.
Popular Trails:
- The Deir Mar Elisha to Deir Qannoubine Trail: This is the quintessential Qadisha hike. It’s a relatively easy to moderate walk that takes you from the Monastery of Saint Elisha, one of the oldest in the valley, down to the historic Monastery of Our Lady of Qannoubine, which once served as the seat of the Maronite Patriarch. The path offers constant, breathtaking views of the valley walls.
- Hadath el Jebbeh to Deir Mar Antonios Qozhaya: For a more challenging trek, this route takes you through some of the valley’s most dramatic landscapes, ending at the magnificent Monastery of Saint Anthony the Great, which is built into the rock face.
Where to Stay: The best way to experience the valley is to stay in a local guesthouse in a nearby village like Bcharre or Ehden. This allows you to start your hikes early and immerse yourself in the local culture. Bayt Nawal in Bcharre offers a perfect, authentic basecamp for exploring the entire region.
The Mighty Forest: The Cedars of God & The Chouf Biosphere Reserve
Lebanon’s cedar trees are a national symbol of resilience and timelessness, and there are two primary places to experience their majesty.
The Cedars of God (Bcharre): Located high above the Qadisha Valley, this ancient grove is home to some of the oldest cedar trees on earth. While the main grove is a protected forest that you can walk through on a paved path, the surrounding mountains offer incredible hiking opportunities with the iconic cedars as your backdrop. A hike here in the winter, with the trees blanketed in snow, is a truly magical experience.
The Chouf Biosphere Reserve: This is Lebanon’s largest nature reserve and a hiker’s paradise. The reserve contains about 25% of the country’s remaining cedar forests and offers over 250 kilometers of trails for all skill levels.
Popular Trails:
- Barouk Cedar Forest: Offers several well-marked loops of varying difficulty, making it perfect for families. The trails take you through magnificent stands of ancient cedar trees.
- Maasser el Chouf Cedar Forest: Known for having some of the oldest trees in the reserve, including some estimated to be thousands of years old.
Chasing Waterfalls: Nature’s Hidden Gems
For many, the ultimate reward at the end of a good hike is the sight and sound of a stunning waterfall. Lebanon is blessed with many, especially during the spring melt.
Baatara Gorge Waterfall (Balaa): Perhaps the most famous and unique waterfall in Lebanon. The water drops 255 meters into the “Cave of Three Bridges,” a massive, naturally formed limestone cavern. The hike to the viewpoint is relatively easy and the sight is truly one of the world’s great natural wonders.
Afqa Waterfall: This is one of the largest waterfalls in the Middle East, located at the source of the Adonis River. The trails around the Afqa Grotto offer incredible views of the falls cascading down the cliff face. It’s a place steeped in mythology and natural power.
Plan Your Hiking Adventure
Ready to explore the trails? Partnering with a professional guide is the best way to ensure your safety and get the most out of your experience. Our partners at ToursByNass offer a wide range of private and public guided hikes for all skill levels, led by certified local experts who know the mountains like the back of their hand.
From the sacred paths of Qadisha to the ancient forests of the Chouf, the natural beauty of Lebanon is waiting to be discovered. Lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and find your story in the great Lebanese outdoors.
