Lebanon’s cedars are a source of national pride, tied up with the
country’s identity. But beyond our most well-known forests, there are
many more to discover. From umbrella pines in the Metn area, to the firs
of the far north, the author of “Native Trees of Lebanon and
Neighboring Countries,” Elsa Sattout, takes us on a tour of some of
Lebanon’s lesser-visited forests
UMBRELLA PINE FORESTS, South Metn
Altitude: 450-800m
Distance from Beirut: 32km
The
charming umbrella pine forests in South Metn, covering a large area of
approximately 10km2, feature Judas tree (zamzarik), strawberry tree
(katlab), St John’s Wort (dmou’ lebsaynat) and rockroses in early
spring. They are spread in the stunning valleys below the mountaintops
of the villages of Zandouqa, Qsaibeh and Kneisse. Highlights within the
region include Saint Veronica Giuliani church in Qsaibeh, the ruins of a silkworm factory and an Ottoman bridge
in Kneisse. Stay at a campsite after hiking the area’s trails (Ray’s
adventure, 76 383333). Hikes in the region can lead to the village of
Salima and Ras El Metn where you can visit the Serail of El Lam’iyine, a Druze hermitage site perched on a cliff, and Ottoman monuments along the river.
JAJ CEDAR FOREST, Byblos District
Altitude: 1,230–1,700m
Distance from Beirut: 75km
The
village of Jaj in north Lebanon features a cedar grove and old isolated
cedars that grow on rocky hills. Maple (kaykab), bear plum (khawkh el
deb) and wild service-tree (ghbayra) are sporadically spread across the
area. Historical records speak about the Phoenicians who transported
cedar logs through rivers to the port of Byblos for shipbuilding and
export. A 30-minute hiking trail offers a good overview of the area –
passing from the forest parking lot to the cedar grove and old church.
For more adventurous hiking and advanced mountaineering, explore the
surrounding hills which have 360 degrees of panoramic views and take a
break at the restaurant Sama Jaj (70 540223) for a quick bite or
meal. In the village itself, pass by the 200-year-old oak tree near the
church and the private museum of the sculptor and artist Boutros Farhat (03 254283).
CALABRIAN PINE FORESTS, Zgharta District
Altitude: 885–1,100m
Distance from Beirut: 123km
Dense Calabrian pine forests extend on the hills surrounding the villages of Mazraet El Touffah, Ejbeh, Aitou and Sebeel. They cover more than approximately 3km2 and include gall oak (afess), kermes oak, cypress (sharbeen), storax (loubn), juniper (ar’ar), hawthorn (za’rour), hyssop (zoufa), orchids, sage (kas’ine), Syrian oregano (zouba’) and endemic Lebanese oregano (mardakoush lubnani), along with St John’s Wort. The forested area is accessible from the surrounding villages and Meziarat. The landscape features abandoned terraces that were once cultivated with wheat and semi-circular terraces for wheat thresh, old houses, old churches and a water mill. Enjoy outdoor activities in the area, including hiking to El Keif, Dalil, Sifon and Rechta’mout, biking and sightseeing tours, or simply take a picnic and enjoy the panoramic views. If you aim to cross the borders between villages, hikes to Wadi El Karakir, Mereh and Bnache’et are available with eco-tour operators.
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