Delve into the diverse hiking routes that wind through Batroun’s breathtaking landscapes, leading you to discover hidden treasures. As USAID’s Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF) project is working to raise the profile of the region and enhance its tourism offerings, we unearth the most spectacular hiking trails in Batroun.

1. Nahr el Joz Trail

Discover the beauty of Nahr el Jouz Trail in Batroun, Lebanon, as it unfolds through picturesque landscapes. The journey begins at Salha Castle, a historical gem, and offers a moderately challenging hike with varying difficulty levels. Marvel at breathtaking mountain and valley views, lush greenery and a meandering river along the way. The trail’s length is flexible, making it a perfect for nature lovers and photographers who wish to explore the unique features, like waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna.

The trail links the coast to the mountains and stretches for 70 km. You can start at either the Mseilha Castle or along the coast to reach the snowy peaks.

2. Bchaaleh Trails

Bchaaleh Trails offers a unique integration of wild, agricultural and rural landscapes in a traditional Lebanese village, featuring natural, archaeological and historic heritage. This destination is designed for nature and adventure enthusiasts, taking their hiking experiences to new heights.

The Bchaaleh Trails network includes seven hiking trails that create a loop around the village, taking you to its most famous attractions. The most important of these is the Olive Route, which leads to the site of the Millennial Olive Trees of Bchaaleh, also known as Noah’s Olive Trees. This is the inspiration behind the theme and name of the LMT side trail: Noah’s Olive Trail.

This thematic trail cover over 13 kilometers with 300-meter drops, offering a climbing challenge for adventure seekers.

Bchaaleh Trails Network provides a range of options, with seven different trails of varying levels and lengths. Each hike can be customized, making them suitable for all ages, groups and fitness levels.

Hikers can also enjoy a trail from Bchaaleh to the nearby village of Douma. This route follows an old trade route called Mahkameh and passes through Douma’s historic souks, its olive press and a footpath that leads to a paved road to reach the stairs of Sikket el Sham, and return back to Bchaaleh.

What sets Bchaaleh Trails apart is the combination of a rich historical backdrop and the tranquility of nature. These trails narrate the history of the region, connecting hikers with the past and providing a gateway to a lost civilization, enriching the mind with intriguing stories and offering an escape from daily stress.

3. Tannourine Cedars Reserve – Hiking Trails

Tannourine Cedars Nature Reserve offers five captivating hiking trails, each with its own unique charm.

Trail #1 – Wadi Ain Al Fouar

Length: 2 km

Average time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Medium

Highlights: This trail takes you through cedar, maple, oak, and juniper trees, showcasing birds’ nests and blooming flowers (March-October). An information sign about Wadi Ain Al Fouar awaits at the end. For those who prefer a shorter walk, you can return to the starting point or opt for the circuit route.

Trail #1 (Circuit Route)

Length: 2 km

Average time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Hard

Highlights: This challenging circuit route retraces your steps, providing a different perspective of the reserve.

Trail #2 – Ras Al Wadi

Length: 1 km

Average time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights: This easy trail starts at the forest entrance and leads you to the high point of Ras Al Wadi. Enjoy scenic views of Wadi Ain Al Raha, dotted with monasteries.

Trail #3

Length: 1.2 km

Average time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights: An easy and enjoyable trail that connects with Trail #4 in its second half.

Trail #4 – Cedar Forest Circuit

Length: 4 km

Average time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Difficulty: Medium to Hard (recommended for adults and sports enthusiasts)

Highlights: This circular trail covers the entire forest, passing through Wadi Ain Al Fouar and the Ras Al Wadi area. You’ll witness Lebanon’s oldest cedar trees, along with maple, oak, juniper trees, and colorful flowers during the blossoming season.

Trail #5 – Arz Al Kersi

Length: 2 km

Average time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Medium (suitable for children and adults)

Highlights: This trail leads to Hadath Al Jebbeh’s main road, passing through the Arz Al Kersi area, filled with cedar, maple, oak, juniper trees, and lovely flowers during the blooming season.

Trail #6 – Al Batrak Cedars

Length: 4.5 km

Average time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Difficulty: Medium to Hard (recommended for adults and sports enthusiasts)

Highlights: Beginning at Wadi Ain Al Fouar, this trail takes you to Al Batrak Cedars, home to some of the reserve’s oldest cedar trees. You’ll also encounter a mix of maple, oak, juniper trees, and wildlife.

4. Explore the natural beauty and heritage of Tannourine through three captivating hiking trails.

Hermitages Trail:

Distance: 9.6 km

Ascent: 600 m

Descent: 1070 m

Difficulty: Easy

This trail starts in Tannourine Cedar Reserve and takes you through the cedar forest to Wadi el Fouar. As you descend through Wadi Ain Raha, you’ll reach Tannourine El Tahta. Along the way, you’ll encounter hermitages, experience the region’s rich natural heritage and even find a rock-climbing site.

Tanourine el Tahta – Wata Houb – Chatine Trail:

Distance: 4.8 km

Ascent: 747 m

Descent: 328 m

Difficulty: Easy

The trail begins in Tannourine El Tahta and ascends through the villages of Wata Houb, Houb and Chatine. Along the way, you’ll discover watermills, vinicultural presses and monasteries.

Chatine – Tanourine Shir er Ribez – Ras Ebniya Trail

Distance: 9.6 km

Ascent: 1017 m

Descent: 572 m

Difficulty: Medium

Starting in Houb, this trail climbs through Tanourine, Nabee el Kerse, Taouarii, Shir el Ribaz and Ras Ebniya. You’ll encounter the Tannourine Cedars Reserve, the awe-inspiring Ribaz Cliff and other elements of natural heritage.

For more information regarding these beautiful hiking trails, contact Tanios Challita on +961 3 223 428.

This article is part of a joint project to promote tourism destinations across Lebanon, launched by the Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF) activity, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Hospitality Services. The content of this article is the sole responsibility of Hospitality Services, and does not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

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