THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a private day hiking among Lebanon’s storied cedars at Maaser el Shouf. This guided trip mixes panoramic ridgeline views, centuries-old trees, and local village flavors into a flexible 6–7 hour outing.
Spend a private day hiking among Lebanon’s storied cedars at Maaser el Shouf. This guided trip mixes panoramic ridgeline views, centuries-old trees, and local village flavors into a flexible 6–7 hour outing.
You round the last hairpin and the road opens onto a high, cool plateau—pines give way to trunks as wide as small houses and the air smells faintly of resin and earth.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by DAVE LEBANON DMC · Maaser el Shouf, Mount Lebanon
You round the last hairpin and the road opens onto a high, cool plateau—pines give way to trunks as wide as small houses and the air smells faintly of resin and earth.
At roughly 1,800 m above sea level the Maaser el Shouf cedar grove rewards the morning hiker with shafts of light through a canopy of Lebanese cedars, while the wind on the ridge seems to push you toward the viewpoint over the Bekaa Valley to the east and the serrated line of Mount Lebanon to the west.
These cedars carry history: prized by Phoenician shipwrights, referenced in ancient texts, and protected today inside the Shouf Biosphere Reserve after centuries of grazing, logging and reforestation efforts. Geologically the route runs across folded limestone and sandstone of the Mount Lebanon range, with shallow soils where roots wrap bedrock and trails can be rocky underfoot. Local villages practice small-scale beekeeping and orchard work—look for roadside stalls selling honey and preserves after the walk.
Expect 3–4 hours on trail for the typical moderate loop (the full door-to-door tour is about 6–7 hours). Trails range from soft dirt to exposed rock; your guide will brief you and adjust length from easy to advanced. Practicalities: start early for clearer light and calmer winds, carry water and sun protection, and layer for rapid temperature shifts at altitude. Leave no trace, respect grazing areas, and set aside time after the hike to enjoy tea and locally made honey in the village before the return drive to your hotel.
moderate.
6–7 hours.
Moderately fit—comfortable walking for several hours with some uneven climbs and short steep sections
The typical time spent inside the forest is around 3 hours, but the guide can shorten or lengthen the route to match soft, moderate, or advanced levels.
Yes—hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle are included as part of the private tour.
Children must be accompanied by an adult; travelers should have at least moderate fitness—those with spinal or cardiovascular issues are not recommended to join.
The tour may be canceled in severe weather; the operator recommends cancelling at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund if needed.
Cedars of Lebanon have cultural importance dating to Phoenician and Roman times; the Shouf reserve is part of modern conservation efforts to restore and protect these ancient stands.
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve balances reforestation and sustainable livelihoods—buying local honey and respecting trails helps fund community-based conservation.
DAVE LEBANON DMC operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You round the last hairpin and the road opens onto a high, cool plateau—pines give way to trunks as wide as small houses and the air smells faintly of resin and earth.
You round the last hairpin and the road opens onto a high, cool plateau—pines give way to trunks as wide as small houses and the air smells faintly of resin and earth.
At roughly 1,800 m above sea level the Maaser el Shouf cedar grove rewards the morning hiker with shafts of light through a canopy of Lebanese cedars, while the wind on the ridge seems to push you toward the viewpoint over the Bekaa Valley to the east and the serrated line of Mount Lebanon to the west.
These cedars carry history: prized by Phoenician shipwrights, referenced in ancient texts, and protected today inside the Shouf Biosphere Reserve after centuries of grazing, logging and reforestation efforts. Geologically the route runs across folded limestone and sandstone of the Mount Lebanon range, with shallow soils where roots wrap bedrock and trails can be rocky underfoot. Local villages practice small-scale beekeeping and orchard work—look for roadside stalls selling honey and preserves after the walk.
Expect 3–4 hours on trail for the typical moderate loop (the full door-to-door tour is about 6–7 hours). Trails range from soft dirt to exposed rock; your guide will brief you and adjust length from easy to advanced. Practicalities: start early for clearer light and calmer winds, carry water and sun protection, and layer for rapid temperature shifts at altitude. Leave no trace, respect grazing areas, and set aside time after the hike to enjoy tea and locally made honey in the village before the return drive to your hotel.