Barouk Cedar Forest (غابة أرز الباروك) - Lake - Telecom tower - Massyaf el Mir (مصيف المير)

Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, accounting for a quarter of the remaining cedar forest in Lebanon, was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in July 2005. This reserve covers approximately 5% of the total area of Lebanon. Some trees are estimated to be 2,000 years old. In addition to the main 3 entrances (Ain Zhalta, Barouk and Maasser el Shouf), there are other less-known entrances (Mresti, Jbaa and Niha).
We started our hike from Barouk Reserve Entrance. Unfortunately, for this year, there's still not enough snow at lower altitudes, and the planned snowshoeing day became a hiking day. The snow was above 1800 m, and we didn't need snowshoes to reach the top (Telecom tower at 1940 m). The start was on the road for around 300 m before taking the forest trail up to the left. The trail goes up through amazing cedar trees. You will reach at some point a wide dirt road. Cross it and take the trail from the other side, leading you to the lake. I had the chance to visit my baby cedar tree offered by one of my beloved patients. After the lake visit, we went back to take the trail to the tower. At some point, we had the chance to see the snow-capped majestic Mount Hermon at its best on this super clear day, along with the whole Anti-Lebanon mountain chain. Sannine, Bakish and Kneisseh were clearly visible to the north as well. The walk to the tower was on fresh snow. We had our lunch near the summit with a stunning view over Bekaa, Qaraoun lake and the whole Anti-Lebanon. Continue your way to the tower but do not enter its building area; it is a military restricted army zone. Instead, take the trail to the right to reach the zone above the upper tree line. This is where things became a bit tricky with two steep descents on snow that are not particularly dangerous. Watch your steps and use your poles. Once you catch one of the forest trails, enjoy again an amazing forest walk leading to Massyaf el Mir site, an amazing place where you can see people from every age enjoying this nice family area (accessible by car). From here till the way back to the entrance, you will be walking on LMT section 19 (Ain Zhalta - Barouk). It's a beautiful valley walk. On the last stretch before reaching the entrance, there's a trail below the car road that you can continue on it (check one of my other trails in the area). We didn't take this trail because we were short on time and the reserve was closing, so we had a pleasant, calm road walk on perfect sunset time. Enjoy this amazing part of Lebanon, keep it clean, and stay safe.

NB: What i love the most about this stunning, well-maintained, and well-protected reserve (unlike many others like Jabal Moussa and Ehden) is that they allow dogs on leash! Perfect for my best partner, Twix, the chocolate labrador :)