Established in 1995 and officially recognized as a "Hima" (community-protected area) in 2018, the Hima of Hammana spans approximately 650,000 m². It is managed by the municipality of Hammana in collaboration with SPNL (Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon) and the Salma project, which is dedicated to mountain reforestation.
A network of over 12 km of marked trails, including sections of the Lebanon Mountain Trail, crosses the site at altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 1,600 meters. This route offers a truly panoramic journey, revealing views over the Hammana Valley on one side, and on the other, the Beirut coastline, North Metn, Aley, and even Keserwan.
These trails wind through a dense forest rich in cedars, oaks, pines, firs, and spruces, and lead through flower-filled meadows in spring, waterfalls (such as Shaghour), and the remains of old mills. A dedicated raptor migration observatory, recognized internationally, allows visitors to admire species such as the Egyptian vulture and the common kestrel.
The Hima project has made this site a sanctuary for conservation and education: interpretive trails, guided birdwatching tours, youth awareness programs, and wildfire protection initiatives are all part of its mission.
In winter, the site is transformed under the snow: frozen waterfalls and snow-covered forests create a magical landscape, ideal for snowshoeing and even cross-country skiing.
Accessible to all, this eco-educational and scenic trail, set in an innovative protected area, makes the Hima of Hammana a model of sustainable ecotourism in Lebanon.