An unexpected paradise awaits those willing to explore the diverse landscapes of the Middle East, and for many, the name Lebanon conjures images shaped by news cycles, overlooking a reality of breathtaking natural beauty. This is a land of towering, snow-capped Lebanon mountains that give the country its name, ancient cedar forests that have stood for millennia, and dramatic, sun-drenched valleys carved into the very heart of the region.
The Lebanon hiking experience offers a profound sense of tranquility and a connection to history that stretches back to the dawn of civilization. To be clear, this guide is dedicated to the country of Lebanon, a jewel of the eastern Mediterranean, not to be confused with various towns in the United States. The trails here traverse a nation rich in a complex tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. For a comprehensive overview of the country beyond the trails, check out our Lebanon travel guide, offering an unparalleled experience for the discerning adventurer willing to look beyond the headlines.
Qadisha Valley: A UNESCO Spiritual Refuge for Hiking in Lebanon
The Qadisha Valley, whose name translates to “Holy Valley,” is more than just a destination; it represents the spiritual core of hiking in Lebanon. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this dramatic and rugged gorge served as one of the earliest and most important Christian monastic settlements in the world. For centuries, its sheer cliffs and remote caves provided a natural refuge for Maronite hermits and monastic communities fleeing persecution, creating a landscape where spiritual heritage and natural grandeur are inseparable. This deep history makes hiking Qadisha Valley a cornerstone experience for anyone interested in the region.
What Makes Qadisha Valley Special
The journey often begins in the village of Bcharre, perched on the valley rim. From there, the trail zig-zags steeply downwards through fragrant apple orchards and fields of spring wildflowers. Hikers describe scrambling down orange-hued rocks and crossing tiny streams, all while the valley walls seem to grow taller and the village above recedes to toy proportions. The path, sometimes overgrown with tall grasses, feels like a secret passage into another world.
The valley reveals incredible hidden treasures along its trails, such as the Monastery of Mar Elisha, a structure hewn from the rock that now serves as a museum. Further along, enthusiasts can reach the still-working convent of Deir Qannoubine. Near the valley, a visit to Bsharri and The Cedars of God is essential to see some of the oldest examples of Lebanon’s national tree. You can also explore the Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum nearby to add a literary touch to your trip.
Key Attractions and Activities
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Rock-cut monasteries including Mar Elisha and Deir Qannoubine.
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Meeting with hermit monks who still maintain the ancient spiritual tradition.
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Visiting the Cedars of God forest with its ancient cedar trees.
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Photographing dramatic cliff faces, agricultural terraces, and religious architecture.
Where to Stay
The towns of Bcharre and Hasroun are excellent bases for exploring the holy valley. Villa Chamoun in Hasroun is a beautifully restored 1960s family home turned boutique guesthouse. Dar Qadisha offers a cozy stay with a host renowned for her homemade jams. Guesthouses typically range from $50-100 per night.
Considerations for This Hike
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Best time to visit: April to October, with spring (April-May) being particularly spectacular.
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Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
The Qadisha Valley offers an unmatched combination of spiritual depth, natural beauty, and challenging terrain. However, visitors must be prepared for the physical demands of the steep descents and subsequent ascents out of the valley.
Shouf Biosphere Reserve: Hiking Among Lebanon’s Ancient Cedars
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is the country’s largest nature reserve and home to its most iconic cedar forests, making it a premier location for hiking in Lebanon. Imagine stepping out of your car at a trailhead high in the Shouf Mountains where the air is crisp, clean, and cool. The first thing that strikes you is the silence—a deep, resonant quiet. Before you, a well-made path invites you forward, and as you walk, you see them: the majestic Cedars Lebanon is famous for, their ancient, horizontal branches spreading like a protective canopy.
What Makes Shouf Special
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve spans a massive area and contains three distinct cedar forests: Maasser el-Shouf, Barouk, and Ain Zhalta-Bmahray. The Barouk Cedar Forest hiking trails are particularly renowned. The reserve’s biodiversity is remarkable, hosting over 500 plant species and serving as a refuge for numerous animals. The panoramic trails wind along ridges, offering stunning, uninterrupted views down toward the distant, glittering Mediterranean coast. The 6 km “panoramic” loop trail is particularly popular, providing an accessible introduction to the reserve’s beauty without requiring extreme fitness levels.
Key Attractions and Activities
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Three major cedar forests with trees up to 2,000 years old.
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Well-maintained trail network with varying difficulty levels.
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Wildlife viewing opportunities including gazelles and birds of prey.
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Panoramic views stretching to the Mediterranean coast.
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Visitor centers with educational exhibits about conservation.
Where to Stay
The villages surrounding the biosphere reserve offer charming guesthouses. In the picturesque town of Deir el Qamar village guide suggests places like Beyt El-Jabal. Near Maaser Beiteddine, the Bouyouti estate offers unique stone cottages. For those interested in history, the Beiteddine Palace history is a stone’s throw away. Accommodation typically ranges from $60-120 per night.
Considerations for This Hike
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Best time to visit: April to October, though accessible year-round.
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Difficulty: Easy to difficult.
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve excels in accessibility, making it an ideal introduction to Lebanon hiking for many. However, its accessibility means it can become crowded during weekends and holidays.
The Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT): A Premier Long-Distance Trek
The Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) is the country’s answer to legendary long-distance hikes. Spanning approximately 470 kilometers (292 miles) from Andqet in the north to Marjaayoun in the south, this trail is built upon a network of ancient donkey paths and goat trails. Hiking the Lebanon Mountain Trail represents a remarkable fusion of ancient history and modern ecotourism, making it the definitive challenge for serious trekkers.
What Makes the LMT Special
The Lebanon Mountain Trail was thoughtfully developed into a world-class ecotourism product. This effort means hikers are not just wandering through history but doing so on a route that is waymarked and supported by a modern conservation ethos. The trail is divided into 27 sections, each designed to be a day’s hike, ending in a village with accommodation. This village-to-village approach is one of the LMT’s greatest strengths, providing daily opportunities for cultural exchange and sampling authentic Lebanon traditional food.
Key Attractions and Activities
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27 distinct sections offering varied landscapes and cultural experiences.
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Daily stays in mountain villages with authentic guesthouses in Lebanese mountains.
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Passage through multiple nature reserves including Shouf and Horsh Ehden.
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Ancient Lebanon archaeological sites and historic villages along the route.
Planning Your LMT Journey
Most enthusiasts tackle sections of the trail rather than the entire 30-35 day route. Popular multi-day sections include the northern stretch through Qadisha Valley and the central sections through the Shouf mountains. While experienced hikers can go independently, most visitors benefit from hiring a guide for logistics, cultural context, and safety.
Considerations for This Trek
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Best time to visit: April to October.
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Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
The LMT’s brilliance lies in its accessibility without sacrificing authenticity. However, planning logistics like luggage transfer and accommodation requires advance organization.
Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve: Mythological Valley Hikes
The Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, Roman history, and Greek mythology in the dramatic Adonis Valley. This reserve stands out for its unique combination of archaeological significance and endemic flora, creating a hiking experience that engages both the mind and the senses. It is easily accessible for a day of hiking from Beirut, making it a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
What Makes Jabal Moussa Special
The reserve’s most famous feature is the Chouwen Lake trail. This relatively easy to moderate hike descends into the scenic Adonis Valley, leading to a beautiful, swimmable natural lake. The trail passes through diverse vegetation and offers spectacular views. A unique historical treasure is the series of inscriptions commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 130 AD. These ancient carvings, etched into rock faces along old Roman roads, commemorate military projects.
Key Attractions and Activities
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Chouwen Lake with swimming opportunities in pristine mountain waters.
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Hadrian’s Roman inscriptions marking ancient roads.
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Spring wildflower displays featuring endemic Lebanese species.
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Adonis Valley views connecting to Greek mythological heritage.
Where to Stay
The nearby villages of Chouwen and Qehmez offer guesthouses, though many visitors base themselves in Beirut (about 1.5 hours away). You can check our guide on where to stay in Beirut for the best options. Local stays typically cost $50-90 per night.
Considerations for This Hike
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Best time to visit: March to June (wildflowers), April to October (general).
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Jabal Moussa is perfect for a rewarding day hike without the commitment of a multi-day trek. However, the Chouwen Lake trail can become quite busy during weekends.
Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve: A Biodiversity Sanctuary for Trekkers
The Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve represents one of the country’s most important ecological treasures, protecting a remarkably diverse range of forest ecosystems. For nature enthusiasts and serious hikers seeking biological diversity and challenging terrain, Horsh Ehden offers an experience that emphasizes conservation and wilderness character.
What Makes Horsh Ehden Special
The reserve’s greatest strength is its extraordinary biodiversity. Within its compact area, Horsh Ehden contains stands of Lebanese cedar, Cilician fir, Greek juniper, and wild apple trees. This habitat supports over 1,000 plant species. The trail network ranges from gentle forest walks to steep, demanding ascents. The highest trails climb toward the summit of Qurnat as Sawda, Lebanon’s tallest peak, offering truly alpine hiking experiences.
Key Attractions and Activities
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Multiple forest ecosystems including cedar, fir, and juniper stands.
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Access to Qurnat as Sawda, Lebanon’s highest peak.
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Exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities for endemic and rare species.
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Diverse plant life including wild apple trees and medicinal herbs.
Where to Stay
The village of Ehden, perched at a high elevation, serves as the primary base. It offers a range of guesthouses and small hotels ($60-100 per night). Ehden itself is worth exploring, with a charming old quarter and excellent Lebanon restaurants to refuel after your hike.
Considerations for This Hike
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Best time to visit: May to October.
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Difficulty: Easy to challenging.
Horsh Ehden provides a genuine wilderness experience. However, its remote northern location requires more travel time. The challenging terrain is less suitable for beginners, and weather can be unpredictable.
Practical Guide: Planning Your Lebanon Hiking Adventure
This section provides the essential, practical information you need to plan your trip. Proper planning is key to a successful and safe hiking in Lebanon experience.
Safety and Travel Considerations
The U.S. State Department maintains specific advisories for the region. Many potential visitors ask, “Is Lebanon safe for American tourists?” While many travelers visit the hiking regions described in this guide without incident, the security situation is complex. The most responsible approach is to stay continuously informed, avoid border regions, and secure proper travel insurance for Lebanon before your trip.
Getting There and Transportation
All international flights arrive at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY). Lebanon lacks a comprehensive public transport system for reaching trailheads.
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Renting a car: Offers flexibility but be prepared for challenging mountain roads. Check our guide on rent a car in Lebanon for tips.
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Hiring a private driver: This is the most convenient option.
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Driving: If you choose to drive, read our driving in Lebanon advice first.
Accommodation and Food
A highlight of hiking in Lebanon is the guesthouse culture. Staying in local villages provides unique opportunities for authentic cultural exchange and sampling delicious Lebanese food. Platforms like Booking.com and L’Hôte Libanais are excellent resources.
Essential Gear for Lebanese Mountains
Layering is essential due to variable altitudes.
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Clothing: Moisture-wicking t-shirts, hiking shorts, long pants. Read what to wear in Lebanon for a full packing list.
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Connectivity: Ensure you stay connected by getting a sim card for tourists in Lebanon.
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Gear: A lightweight daypack, hiking poles, reusable water bottle.
Costs and Budgeting for Your Hike
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Budget traveler: $50-80 per day.
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Mid-range traveler: $100-150 per day.
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Planning: Knowing the best time to visit Lebanon can help you budget for peak or off-peak seasons.
Hiking in Lebanon offers an extraordinary adventure that combines breathtaking natural landscapes, profound historical depth, and authentic cultural encounters in a way few destinations can. From the ancient monasteries of Qadisha Valley to the iconic cedars of the Shouf and the epic village-to-village journey along the Lebanon Mountain Trail, these mountains reward those who venture beyond the headlines. While the security situation requires careful planning, the trails themselves are supported by a conservation-minded infrastructure and the legendary Lebanese hospitality that transforms each day’s hike into a truly enriching journey.
