Lebanon’s largest nature reserve, with ancient cedar forests and trails.
The Chouf Cedar Reserve — the Al-Shouf Biosphere Reserve — is the largest nature reserve in Lebanon, protecting a quarter of the country’s remaining cedar forests. Spread across the Chouf mountains about 50 km from Beirut, its ancient cedar groves at Barouk, Maasser and Ain Zhalta offer some of the finest hiking and nature in the country.
"Quick facts",
The Al-Shouf Biosphere Reserve was established to protect the cedar forests of the Chouf, among the largest and oldest surviving stands of Lebanon’s iconic tree. Recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, it safeguards not only the cedars but a rich landscape of wildlife, wildflowers and mountain trails.
The most accessible and popular of the reserve’s ancient groves.
Further cedar forests with their own trails.
Well-marked paths for every level, with mountain views.
Home to birds, mammals and seasonal wildflowers.
The Chouf Cedar Reserve is about 50 km from Beirut — roughly a 1 to 1.5-hour drive into the Chouf mountains. The Barouk entrance is the most popular, and the reserve is often combined with Beiteddine and Deir el Qamar on a Chouf day.
Lebanon’s largest nature reserve, protecting ancient cedar forests at Barouk, Maasser and Ain Zhalta, with excellent hiking.
About 50 km — roughly a 1 to 1.5-hour drive into the Chouf mountains.
Yes — the reserve has well-marked trails for all levels through the cedar forests and mountains.
