Track 101: Ain Zhalta - Bmohray Cedar Forest

The best hike in a Cedar Forest ever in Lebanon.

The Forest is a part of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve covering around 5% of Lebanon.
For tourists and families, the Barouk or Maaser El Shouf sides are more known but believe me, for hikers, this is the place to visit. Unfortunately it is not easy for families and kids.
You arrive at the gate and the forest ranger will give you a brief explanation about the place and the trails you can follow. The stuff are very friendly and helpful. Entrance fees are 20,000 lbp and to be honest from the way they are maintaining the trails and keeping the place clean, it is worth it.
You park your car and you directly follow the signs. It was a beautiful spring day with awesome clouds in the sky. Snow is still covering around 50% of the trails.
I didn't have my snowshoes but luckily the snow was hard enough to walk on and not slippery.
Most of the way up is inside the Cedars Forest. Beautiful scenery, the trail is amazing and the sound of the birds singing is filling the air.
When you leave the forest to reach the top view it will be on dirt roads or marked pathways.
Do the effort and reach the top, it is worth it with a view over Mount Lebanon, Beqaa Valley, Mount Sannine, Barouk, Qaraoun Lake and Mount Hermon.
The multicoloured patched of the agricultural lands in the Beqaa valley as well as the Qaraoun Lake and the snow covering Mount Hermon gives you an unforgettable view that you can't get enough of.
On your way down, you reach a lake on your left (I think they call it the black pond). You have 2 options, either continue on the dirt road or take your right and follow the newly opened trail that leads you back to the forest. This trail was made in summer 2021 and still without signs. They will put them this year.
I took the forest's trail and I am sure it was the right decision. I couldn't stop taking pictures.
On my way, I passed by a fresh water stream where another forest ranger was walking around. I spent some time with him talking about the place and he showed me great pictures he took of the wild life in the Reserve.
You will be surprised how much the area is reach in Fauna and Flora. Soon they will reintroduce the wild goats to the place.
(What I have noticed is that they leave all the dead and broken trees and branches on the floor. It will be a good attraction for the insects and like this they don't affect the healty trees. In that way, nature renews itself.
Not like how they do in the Cedars of Bsharreh. They remove all the dead branches and trees to make souvenirs of them and like this insects will be attacking normal trees because they don't have other options. Stop the overexploitation of the wood in the Cedars Forest of Bsharreh)
I didn't want this hike to end, I enjoyed every moment of it and will definitely come back.
It is a very recommended hike, moderate and very easy to follow.
Enjoy and keep it clean !!!

PLEASE, stay on the trails and respect Nature.