LMT Section 20: From Niha to Maaser El Chouf

Credit: Habib Helou

At the square near the spring, take an impasse road to reach the trail head. At the last house, follow the cleared footpath that follows the water canal intermittently. At the end of the canal, climb some steps to the left and walk for a few meters before climbing along the uncleared path towards the top of the anticlinal rock formation. Follow the saddle and walk towards the pine forest that goes up to the dirt road. Follow it to Ain Chaachoua spring and then continue along the same path and then a footpath and dirt road to the village of Mrousti. Walk along the main street and pass by a dry spring. Then take the paved road which becomes a concrete road uphill before following a dirt road which passes by a spring and a hill lake. Walk for several meters before turning right at the second junction. You can follow the dirt road and then turn right to reach a second crossroads, climb upwards to reach a footpath which is visible from the dirt road and on to the uncleared path before reaching a dirt road. Walk along the stream bank before climbing upwards again. Then make a turn right and continue on until you reach a cleared footpath to the left. Walk along it to the top of the hill and continue on, passing by Ain el Zghire spring. Go on past the spring before taking the dirt road near the concrete water reservoir which leads to the main paved road. Then go right until you reach the main square of Maaser el Chouf village.

Important to know:

There are no difficult passages along this section; the trail consists of dirt & paved roads and footpaths.
This section is marked. This section goes through the Shouf Biosphere Reserve.
If you plan to walk alone, please inform the LMTA about the dates of your trip at [email protected] and ask for the GPS track.
For your stay, contact the guesthouse or the guide a few days before you start your trip.

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