Best hikes in Lebanon
These areas range from moderate reserve trails to demanding mountain terrain; the guide for each place explains the practical differences.
Mountains, snow, valleys and cedar forests
Nature in Lebanon
Plan outdoor time in Lebanon around the landscape and the walk: a compact cedar grove, a steep valley trail, a seasonal waterfall viewpoint or a high mountain winter outing.
Choose an outdoor experience
Plan nature trips in Lebanon
Choose the exact trail or viewpoint before arranging transport. Ask about the full return distance, ascent, current access and daylight; the drive to a mountain entrance can take longer than the walk itself. Official advice for the route remains part of the planning.
Cedar forests
Compare an ancient symbolic grove near Bsharri with the broader protected cedar landscape of the Chouf.
Waterfalls in Lebanon
Water flow is seasonal. Use the individual guides to compare viewpoints, terrain and the likelihood of stronger flow after winter rain and snowmelt.
Lakes and rivers
These trips focus on river valleys, reservoirs and cave springs rather than conventional beach days.
Mountain destinations
For cooler air, winter snow or longer walking days, choose a mountain base and leave room for changing road and weather conditions.
Nature trips from Beirut
These places can work as day trips with arranged transport, but traffic and mountain roads often matter more than the distance shown on a map.
Short nature stops and longer hikes
Cedars of God is a compact grove visit, while Qadisha contains many routes and Chouwen has a significant uphill return. A waterfall viewpoint may be short but still involve steep or slippery access. Choose by the actual path rather than the attraction category.
Choose a waterfall for the season
Spring rain and snowmelt can bring stronger flow, but wet ground may make the approach harder. Summer views can be much drier. Confirm the exact entrance and viewing route; blue water in a photograph does not establish safe swimming or public access.
Winter in the mountains
Winter activities in Lebanon
When snow covers the Lebanon Mountains, visitors can ski, snowboard or join guided snowshoe outings. Snow cover and lift operations change quickly, so plan around current conditions.
Mzaar Kfardebian
Lebanon’s largest linked ski area has pistes for different abilities, equipment hire, lessons and lifts. Check the snow report and operating lifts that morning.
Current status at Mzaar
Zaarour Club
A more compact winter area with skiing, snowboarding, beginner zones and activities such as tubing when conditions permit.
Check Zaarour operations
Cedars Ski Resort
The ski area above Bsharri sits in a high mountain landscape near Cedars of God. An overnight stay and a same-day check of snow, roads and local operations are sensible.
Plan from Bsharri
Snowshoeing and winter walks
Snowshoes open quieter winter landscapes around Hammana and other mountain areas. Go with a local guide and follow current trail and weather information.
Winter information from Hima HammanaNature and day trips
Cedar reserves
Cedars of God
A protected grove of ancient Lebanon cedars above Bsharri and part of the Qadisha Valley World Heritage Site.
Read the Cedars of God guide
Shouf Biosphere Reserve
Lebanon's largest nature reserve, protecting extensive cedar forests, wildlife and marked walking routes.
Read the Shouf Biosphere Reserve guideNature and day trips
Waterfalls
Baatara Gorge
A seasonal waterfall dropping through a limestone sinkhole crossed by three natural rock bridges.
Read the Baatara Gorge guide
Jezzine Waterfall
A seasonal waterfall below the mountain town of Jezzine, with viewpoints across the southern highlands.
Read the Jezzine Waterfall guide
Afqa Cave and Waterfall
A powerful seasonal spring emerging from a limestone cave at the source of the Ibrahim River.
Read the Afqa Cave and Waterfall guide
Kfarhelda Waterfall
A seasonal waterfall and river landscape inland from Batroun.
Read the Kfarhelda Waterfall guide
Oyoun el Samak
A river and waterfall landscape in northern Lebanon where access depends on local roads and seasonal conditions.
Read the Oyoun el Samak guide
Baakline Waterfalls
Small waterfalls and river scenery near Baakline in the Chouf.
Read the Baakline Waterfalls guideNature and day trips
Caves, water and valleys
Attraction · Caves and natureJeita Grotto
A vast limestone cave system with a walk-through upper gallery and, when conditions allow, an underground boat trip.
Read the Jeita Grotto guide
Qadisha Valley
A dramatic mountain valley of cliffs, paths and historic monasteries, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read the Qadisha Valley guide
Chouwen
A steep walking route through the Ibrahim River valley to clear pools and wooded river scenery.
Read the Chouwen guideNature and day trips
Hiking and mountains
Qadisha Valley
A dramatic mountain valley of cliffs, paths and historic monasteries, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read the Qadisha Valley guideChouwen
A steep walking route through the Ibrahim River valley to clear pools and wooded river scenery.
Read the Chouwen guideShouf Biosphere Reserve
Lebanon's largest nature reserve, protecting extensive cedar forests, wildlife and marked walking routes.
Read the Shouf Biosphere Reserve guideCedars of God
A protected grove of ancient Lebanon cedars above Bsharri and part of the Qadisha Valley World Heritage Site.
Read the Cedars of God guide