Trails · Waterfalls · Cedars

Hiking Weekend

Real trail network, real elevation, real mountain air, over 1,000 meters above sea level, where the Lebanon Mountain Trail meets a sinkhole carved over millions of years.

2 Days

Best for: Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts

Douma, Lebanon

Your Day-by-Day Plan

A curated route through Douma, based on verified local knowledge.

1Day 1 — Arrival & Orientation

Afternoon

Arrive & Settle In

Arrive by midday and check into your base in Douma, several heritage guesthouses offer quiet, atmospheric lodging inside restored stone houses, while Hotel Douma provides full-service comfort after a long day on the trail. For additional accommodation options, see [visitdouma.com/stay](/stay).

Late Afternoon

Orientation Walk Through Douma

Take an afternoon orientation walk through Douma itself, the old souk, the stone alleys, and the upper village near the Church of the Lady of Dormition, one of more than 17 churches and monasteries packed into this small mountain village. This is not just a warm-up; it is a chance to understand the village you are using as your trailhead before tackling the longer routes tomorrow.

Evening

Early Dinner & Early Night

Dinner at a local restaurant with a panoramic view of Douma's valley, serving hearty mountain dishes like awarma and kishk. Eat well, sleep early, the best trails start in the cool morning air. For current dining options, see [visitdouma.com/dining](/dining).

2Day 2 — Option 1: Toward Balaa & the Tannourine Cedars

Morning

Toward the Baatara Gorge (Balaa Sinkhole)

Set out toward the Baatara Gorge sinkhole near the village of Balaa, a dramatic, roughly 255 meter-deep vertical pothole carved through Jurassic limestone, spanned by three natural bridges stacked one above the other, giving the site its nickname, the Cave of the Three Bridges. The waterfall is at its most powerful during the spring snowmelt (roughly March–May); by summer it often slows to a trickle or dries up, though the sinkhole itself remains an impressive sight year-round. This area connects into the wider network championed by the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association. Wear sturdy shoes, the paths and viewing areas are uneven and only lightly developed.

Midday

Trail Lunch or Tannourine Village

Pack a trail lunch, or plan to eat in nearby Tannourine before continuing into the reserve. The village cafés serve simple, hearty mountain fare that refuels without weighing you down.

Afternoon

Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve

Enter the Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve, protected by law since 1999 and covering roughly 620 hectares of one of the largest and densest cedar forests remaining in Lebanon, alongside oak, maple, and juniper. The reserve sits at roughly 1,500–2,000 meters above sea level and has been recognized as an Important Bird Area since 2006. Several marked trails of varying difficulty wind through the forest, from easy strolls to more demanding routes with real elevation gain — pick one that matches your group's fitness. Check current entrance arrangements locally, as fees and hours can change with the season.

Evening

Return to Douma

Return to Douma for a well-earned dinner and rest. The contrast between the raw wilderness of the reserve and the warm stone walls of your guesthouse is part of what makes this weekend unforgettable. For dining options, see [visitdouma.com/dining](/dining).

3Day 2 — Option 2: Noah's Olives Trail: Douma to Bchaaleh Heritage Hike

Morning

Hike from Douma to Bchaaleh

The day begins in Douma, where guests meet their local guide and start hiking toward Bchaaleh along Noah's Olives Trail, a side trail of the Lebanon Mountain Trail linking two beautiful villages in the Batroun highlands. This experience combines mountain hiking, ancient olive groves, sacred landmarks, local food, and the living heritage of Bchaaleh. At the heart of the journey are Bchaaleh's legendary Noah's Olive Trees — ancient olive trees growing at around 1,200 meters altitude, still producing olives today. Known locally through stories connected to Noah and the olive branch, they are claimed to be among the oldest productive olive trees in the world. Their age, altitude, resilience, and continued harvest make them one of Lebanon's most fascinating natural and cultural treasures. The route follows the old mountain path of Sikket El Shem, once used to connect villages, fields, and trade routes. Along the way, hikers enjoy open views, stone terraces, rural landscapes, and the quiet beauty of the Batroun mountains. This is a full-day guided hiking experience recommended for active visitors with good walking fitness. Guests should wear hiking shoes and bring water, sun protection, and comfortable outdoor clothing. For a safer, richer, and more authentic experience, we recommend booking a local BTA companion.

Late Morning

Arrival in Bchaaleh & Visit to Noah's Olive Trees

Arrive at Bchaaleh Municipality, then continue on foot through the Olive Trail toward the ancient groves. Here, visitors encounter the famous Noah's Olive Trees living witnesses of time, legend, and village life.

Midday

Ste. Jacob Monastery, Al Shir Trail or Al Hossen Fortress

After visiting Noah's Olive Trees, the hike continues through the Lebanon Mountain Trail side trail and Bchaaleh's local trail network, with the route adapted to the group's pace, timing, and trail conditions. The guide may lead the group toward Ste. Jacob Monastery / Mar Yaacoub, a peaceful religious landmark set in a beautiful mountain landscape. From there, the walk continues through Al Shir Trail, gradually returning toward Bchaaleh. Alternatively, the group may continue toward Al Hossen Fortress, adding a stronger heritage and viewpoint experience before returning to Bchaaleh. Both options keep the experience rooted in Bchaaleh's trails, landscapes, and heritage, while allowing the guide to choose the most suitable flow for the day.

Afternoon

Lunch in Bchaaleh

Enjoy lunch in Bchaaleh through one of the village's local food experiences. Depending on availability, lunch may be arranged at a local restaurant, guest table, community kitchen, or village-style picnic setting in nature. Expect generous mountain hospitality, seasonal ingredients, traditional flavors, and Bchaaleh's celebrated olive oil.

Late Afternoon

Return to Douma through Darb El Mahkameh

After lunch and rest, return toward Douma through Darb El Mahkameh, an old route linking the two villages. This final section completes the journey as a full mountain loop shaped by trails, olive groves, sacred places, and village heritage.

Evening

Arrival Back in Douma

Arrive back in Douma by late afternoon or early evening. Guests may continue with dinner, free time, or their onward arrangements. Visitors who prefer a lighter experience can still discover Bchaaleh by car. The village is only around a 5-minute drive from Douma, and guests can book a BTA cultural tour including Noah's Olive Trees, local food experiences, religious landmarks, Ecomuseum stations, workshops, and light guided walks. For a slower experience, guests may also sleep in Bchaaleh and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere. Bchaaleh offers overnight stays, spectacular sunset views and sunset hikes, and, on selected dates, unforgettable full moon hikes in the mountains. Book your experience with Bchaaleh Trails Association: www.bchaalehtrails.org.

Good to know

This itinerary offers two distinct Day 2 options. Option 1 (Balaa Gorge & Tannourine Cedars) is more physically demanding and best suited to hikers with proper boots and gear. Option 2 (Bchaaleh, Hosn & the Monastery of Saint Jacob) is gentler on the legs but requires a car and involves informal site visits without visitor centers or safety infrastructure. Choose based on your fitness level, transport situation, and weather. The Baatara waterfall flow is seasonal (strongest in spring snowmelt, often dry by summer); the Hosn Fortress has no safety infrastructure, explore at your own risk. Douma and the surrounding region offer many additional hiking trails beyond these two routes, for a full directory of marked paths, trail maps, and difficulty ratings, see [visitdouma.com/hiking](/hiking).

Ready to Experience This?

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