Ask a botanist where to hike in Lebanon and they'll say one word: Ehden. Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, on the northwestern slopes of Mount Lebanon above the town of Ehden, protects an astonishing concentration of life — over 1,000 plant species, including cedars, Cilician firs, junipers, and dozens of wild orchids.
The hiking
Trails range from gentle 4 km nature walks to demanding 12 km circuits climbing from about 1,200 m to over 1,900 m. The reserve sits on the edge of the Qadisha gorge, so almost every trail ends at a jaw-dropping lookout. Our club's winter hike to Mar Touma chapel, on the reserve's upper slopes, is a members' favourite — pine forest, snow ridges, and hot soup back in the village.
Wildlife to watch for
- Golden eagles and Bonelli's eagles riding the thermals
- Foxes, wildcats, and (very lucky hikers only) hyrax
- Spring orchids — over 35 species recorded
- Autumn crocus painting the meadows purple
Practical notes
The reserve is managed and gated — check opening times and pay the entrance fee at the gate. Snow can close upper trails from December to March. Spring and autumn are the glory seasons.
