{"id":6528,"date":"2026-10-10T22:52:28","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T03:52:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.madeinliban.com\/nature-trails-in-ehden-nature-reserve-a-any-duration-trip-for-general-audience\/"},"modified":"2026-10-28T14:37:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T19:37:06","slug":"nature-trails-in-ehden-nature-reserve-a-any-duration-trip-for-general-audience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.madeinliban.com\/ar\/nature-trails-in-ehden-nature-reserve-a-any-duration-trip-for-general-audience\/","title":{"rendered":"Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve: Trails, Wildlife and Visitor Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cedars, firs and wild apples in one forest above Ehden: a guide to walking Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve in any season.<\/em><\/p>\n

Place Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Region<\/th>\nNorth Lebanon (Zgharta district)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best time to visit<\/th>\nMay to October, October for autumn colour<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Time needed<\/th>\nHalf a day to a full day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Good for<\/th>\nHikers, birdwatchers, families<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Getting there<\/th>\nAbout 2 hours by car from Beirut<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Horsh Ehden is a protected mountain forest just above the town of Ehden in North Lebanon, on the northwestern slopes of Mount Lebanon between roughly 1,200 and 2,000 metres. It was declared a nature reserve in 1992, and for its size it is one of the richest places for plants in the country: more than 1,000 species have been recorded here, close to 40 percent of Lebanon’s flora.<\/p>\n

What makes it different from Lebanon’s other cedar reserves is the mix. Cedars grow alongside Cilician fir, Greek juniper, oaks and maples, and the reserve shelters the Lebanese wild apple. The result is a forest that changes colour through the year and has trails for every level, from short family walks to full-day hikes.<\/p>\n

What you will see<\/h2>\n

Trees and plants<\/h3>\n

The reserve’s cedar stand is an important share of what remains in Lebanon, and it is the southern limit of the Cilician fir’s natural range. It is also the only protected area in the country with a community of wild apple trees (Malus trilobata<\/em>). About 115 of its plant species are found only in Lebanon, and around ten grow nowhere else but here. Spring and early summer bring wildflowers, and in October the maples and wild fruit trees turn red and gold.<\/p>\n

Birds and wildlife<\/h3>\n

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon lists Horsh Ehden as an Important Bird Area, with 148 bird species recorded, including eagles and other raptors on migration. Wolves still live in the wider forest, though you are very unlikely to see one. Birdwatching is best from April to September, and the reserve has a hidden observation post.<\/p>\n

The trails<\/h2>\n

The reserve is divided into several zones with more than ten marked trails through the valleys and over the rolling hills. Wooden signs along the paths name the plants, which makes even a short walk interesting for children. Springs such as Ain Naassa and Ain al Bayada are natural rest stops.<\/p>\n

The main access is from Ehden, about 3.5 km from the town, with other entrances from Jouit and Ain al Bayada. Start at the entrance, where rangers can suggest a route for your time and fitness, and book a guide for longer hikes. Mountain biking is allowed outside the snow season, and snowshoeing replaces walking in winter.<\/p>\n

Choosing a walk<\/h3>\n