The Cedars Forest Nature Reserve of Tannourine protects one of the largest and densest cedar forests in Lebanon — tens of thousands of trees, some over a thousand years old, spread across the slopes above the Batroun district. It's one of the crown jewels of Lebanese hiking, and one of our club's favourite full-day destinations.
The trails
Marked loops wind through the forest between roughly 1,400 and 1,850 m of altitude. Expect 8–14 km depending on the loop, with 400–600 m of elevation gain. The terrain mixes soft forest floor with rocky karst outcrops — Lebanon's signature limestone, sculpted into surreal shapes by millennia of rain.
What you'll see
- Ancient Lebanon cedars (Cedrus libani), the tree on our national flag
- Karst sinkholes, natural arches, and seasonal springs
- Panoramic lookouts over the Qadisha Valley
- In spring: wild cyclamen, orchids, and anemones between the rocks
Practical tips
The reserve has an entrance fee that funds protection and trail maintenance — pay it gladly. Bring lunch and layers: even in October the altitude keeps things cool. The best light for photography is mid-morning, when the sun slants through the cedar branches.
We run a guided hike to Tannourine every season. Keep an eye on our Trips page — it's one of the first to fill up.
