Chouf Cedar Reserve

The largest nature reserve in Lebanon, covering roughly 550 square kilometres of the Chouf mountain range and protecting the most extensive remaining stands of ancient cedar trees in the country alongside mixed Mediterranean forest. The reserve also supports populations of wolves, hyenas, and several raptor species including short-toed snake eagles. The village of Barouk, near the main cedar grove, provides access to forest trails and to stands of cedars that include centuries-old specimens. Spring wildflowers and autumn colour make the reserve particularly photogenic outside the summer heat.