La Maison de la Forêt trail in Bkassine

Begin your journey at the entrance of La Maison de la Forêt, walk past the adventure park and take a right into the wild heading east west. Cross the Sahleh Tahda spring and continue left on a sandy trail, passing through wild ferns to reach the Tala Aboul Sahel road. Take a left, head north for about 50m, then continue down a sandy trail through the Beit el Lik pine forest to cross the Said Tananer River.

Continue uphill, onto a wide path to reach the Jezzine Misrieh road, take a right, then left into the dense pine forest. Take in the incredible view across the valley of the Jezzine and Azibe water- falls, the Niha fortress, a stunning natural wonder dating back to 1635, and the cliff which marks the border of the Shouf and Jezzine regions. The trail continues eastwards into a wilderness of ivy and ferns. Walk towards the Jdeidet Bkassine road with views of the village of Aray and the monastery of Bhannin.

Cross over road and head east down towards the Jezzine river to the Akl watermill. Take a rest on the riverbank under the cool shade of trees. Head back up and walk through a meadow following the flow of the river. Head up north along a stone trail, a path which donkeys used to take carrying their heavy load from the mill to Bkassine. Reach a track road and head east west to reach the Jdeidet Bkassine road. Cross the road and head up into the forest to reach the Beydar al Ramel campsite. From here, a beautiful walk through the majestic pines passing diverse fauna and flora will lead you to the adventure park, the rustic cottages and the eatery of La Maison de la Forêt - the perfect place to rest after this adventurous hike.

Continue on for a longer walk, mostly uphill but worth it as you will explore the beautiful village of Bkassine. Take a left north east and head through the forest towards a paved road. Take a right towards the stone steps leading up to Bkassine village square, dominated by the magnificent Mar Takla church. Take a tour of this charming village featuring remarkable stone red roof houses, a fascinating barbershop and an old post office. Then head back on a paved road to La Maison de la Forêt.