Jbaa Shouf reserve - Jezzine - Niha (Darb el Hajal trail, Part of LMT sect 22, Full LMT sect 21)

An epic hike in Shouf. Not for the average hiker. The loop is long, covering the Jbaa reserve and two sections of the LMT. Be prepared for this hike with good hiking shoes and poles. Start early, preferably at 6 am, or 7 am. We started relatively late (9 am), and we hiked the last 4 km in the dark. Always expect strong winds and cold on the top of the Jbaa mountains. I strongly recommend having a fleece, a Windstopper jacket, and gloves if you are not a cold lover. We started from the Jbaa reserve entrance (part of the Shouf biosphere), where there is a fountain (Ain el Cha2chou2a). Following "Darb el Hajal," a long ascent of more than 500 m leads to a viewpoint platform with magnificent views of Bekaa valley, Barouk, Qaraoun lake, and Mount Hermon. It is usually windy and cold there. We left the trail to reach two summits (geodesic points), enjoying more of the fantastic sceneries. Once on the trail again, we later joined the LMT section 22 ( from Aitanit to Jezzine), and we continued following the LMT. The descent into the valley is wonderful. Enjoy the unique rock formations in the area. Just before reaching Jezzine, we left the LMT section 22 and jumped to section 21 (Jezzine- Niha). This part is relatively easy, leading to Niha fortress, a must-see landmark. There is a hiking trail to the fortress (check our way back from the fortress and take it both ways). Back on LMT, we soon reached "Ain el Halkoum." The trail is easy to follow here. Soon after passing by a large pond, we took a path to the left leading to another landmark: " Nabi Ayoub Shrine." From here, you have two options, either continuing on the LMT to Niha village through the pine forest or going down the valley via a long zigzag trail to Niha-Jbaa road. From here, you can rejoin the LMT to the Jbaa reserve entrance (Start of section 19, Niha - Maasser el Chouf) or take another trail in the forest (the one we took) to intersect with LMT before reaching the entrance. If you opt for our path, you will encounter a gate on your way. Try to get around the fence without entering the gate. Otherwise, you will have to jump over the fence to continue your way later to join the LMT. If you feel exhausted once you reach Niha-Jbaa road, I recommend you continue on the LMT to Jbaa and not on the final part we hiked. Enjoy this fantastic trail and stay safe. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need more info, and kindly review my trail after following it.