The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Lebanon, stretching from Dahr Al-Baidar in the north to Jezzine in the south. Its cedar forests — around Barouk, Maasser El Chouf, and Ain Zhalta-Bmohray — hold roughly a quarter of all the cedars left in the country.
Choose your entrance
- Barouk — the classic. Big cedars, well-marked loops of 2–10 km, and the famous cedar some say is over 2,000 years old
- Maasser El Chouf — quieter, wilder, with trails climbing toward panoramic views over the Bekaa and Qaraoun lake
- Ain Zhalta-Bmohray — a beautiful valley of cedars and streams on the western slope, great in spring
The hiking
Altitude runs from about 1,000 to 2,000 m, so conditions change fast — a warm valley start can end on a windy ridge. Trails are well maintained and the reserve publishes maps at each entrance. Guided walks with reserve staff add a lot: the rangers know where the wolves den and where the first anemones bloom.
Make a day of it
Combine a morning hike with lunch in one of the Chouf villages — the region is famous for its mouneh (preserved foods), pine nuts, and arak. Supporting the villages around the reserve is part of protecting the forest itself.
