Explore Falougha: Hiking Trails, Off-Road Adventures, Nature & Heritage Treasures

Falougha derives its name from the Syriac word polougo, meaning "split," a reference to the village's unique division into northern and southern parts by the Beirut River. Situated at an altitude ranging between 1,250 and 1,600 meters above sea level, Falougha is 30 km away from Beirut and belongs to the Baabda District in Mount Lebanon Governorate.

Perched on the western slope of Mount Kneisseh, it boasts an unmatched panoramic view of other famous summer destinations in the Upper and Northern Metn region. One such view is of beautiful Hammana, renowned for its delicious cherries and picturesque red-tiled rooftops.

Additionally, Falougha overlooks Lamartine Valley, named after the French poet Alphonse de Lamartine, who praised its beauty so much that the scenic hill was named in his honor.

A Haven of Natural Beauty and Serenity

Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, Falougha offers a retreat into nature, where lush forests, rolling hills, and pristine water sources define its charm. The village is adorned with vast cedar, pine, and oak forests, preserving Lebanon’s ancient arboreal heritage.

Its lands, known as "Khalwat Falougha", are abundant with fruit orchards of apples and grapes, alongside natural and artificial ponds that sustain agriculture. Beyond the village, the stunning Lamartine Valley—named after the French poet Alphonse de Lamartine—unfolds in breathtaking panoramas, offering an idyllic escape for explorers and nature lovers.

A Land of Deep-Rooted History and Untold Stories

Falougha and its surrounding landscapes, including the majestic Mount Kneisseh, are steeped in history, carrying the legacy of Phoenician, Roman, Christian, and Ottoman civilizations. Though whispers of ancient Phoenician altars, Roman roads, and early Christian hermitages linger in local lore, much of this past remains undocumented, adding an air of mystery to the region.

In modern history, Falougha holds a proud place as its cedar forest is where the first Lebanese flag was raised, marking the nation’s path to independence.

Winding stone-paved streets, lined with red-tiled Levantine houses, weave through the village, preserving its authentic 19th-century character. It is a living museum of Ottoman heritage, featuring the grand municipal palace and centuries-old stone houses that have stood the test of time.

Religious landmarks further enrich its historical depth, including the Monastery of Saint George, celebrated annually on April 23rd, and the Church of Saint Elias, where the Feast of the Prophet Elijah is honored each July 20th. Adding to its vibrant cultural fabric, Falougha hosts an annual Summer Festival, bringing together music, arts, and community festivities.

How to Get to Falougha

You can reach Falougha via several routes:

• Aley → Mdeirej → Hammana → Falougha

• Mansourieh → Monteverde → Ras El-Metn → Deir El-Harf → Falougha

• Baabdat → Qornayel → Falougha

• Zahle → Dahr El-Baidar → Mdeirej → Hammana → Falougha

My Many Hikes Through Falougha’s Enchanting Landscapes

I have embarked on numerous hikes in this vast land, each offering a unique and breathtaking experience. Some of my most memorable hikes include:

• Starting from Dahr El-Baidar to Falougha’s Cedar Forest and beyond

• A moonlit descent to Hammana, after witnessing the sun’s spectacular farewell through the towering cedar trees

• Ascending to the peaks of Mount Kneisseh, to admire the unparalleled panoramic views

• Exploring the area’s stunning ponds, each reflecting a spectrum of colors, making it feel like stepping into a dreamland

My curiosity also led me to try an ATV adventure, and I was incredibly lucky to be accompanied by clouds that painted the sky with magnificent scenery, glorifying the wonders of creation.

My most recent hike took place mid-last month, covering a distance of approximately 15 km. It was truly a visual and spiritual delight, and I hope to transport you to those moments through my photography.

As I began walking through these expansive lands, I encountered shepherds and livestock grazing in the distance. One of the most beautiful coincidences was arriving just in time to witness the milking of cows and the fresh collection of milk. I even shared this magical moment via live streams and stories on my Instagram and Facebook accounts.

From afar, I could see the Falougha Cedar Reserve standing tall, facing a vast area that is clearly undergoing reforestation, as seen in my photographs. This sight fills me with hope that one day, all our mountains will be reforested, compensating for the crimes committed against our environment. I take this opportunity to once again call for a #Reforestation_Revolution, for there is no life without a clean environment and the healing power of nature.

As I reached the Cedar Reserve, I was eager to immerse myself in its beauty—admiring its young and ancient cedar trees, wandering through its narrow, winding pathways, and breathing in the crisp air, infused with the scent of earth and cedarwood, all to the melodious tunes of nesting birds.

From there, I made my way to Lamartine Hill, a vast plateau offering breathtaking views of majestic landscapes and the Mdeirej Bridge.

I then continued toward Mount Kneisseh, where I encountered dreamlike ponds—a topic I will explore in a separate article. You can always visit my blog for more travel stories. Here, I am also sharing a few glimpses from my previous hikes.

A Farewell with an Unforgettable Sunset

I leave you with the magnificent sunset over Falougha’s dreamy clouds and towering cedar trees.

You can follow my travel adventures on my social media accounts listed below.

Let’s explore, cherish, and protect Lebanon—one trail at a time.

Stay Safe & Tread Lightly

• Don’t Go Solo: Always hike with a trusted companion or a professional local guide who understands the terrain. If you need help finding an authentic guide, feel free to reach out—I’ll connect you to the best, safest, and most reliable adventure experts.

• Pack In, Pack Out: Carry your trash back with you. Never leave waste behind.

• Respect Wildlife & Plants: Avoid stepping on or picking plants, and keep a safe distance from animals. Do not disturb or remove any natural elements.

• Follow Local Guidelines: Adhere to trail rules, stay on marked paths, and be mindful of fragile habitats.

A little thoughtfulness goes a long way toward preserving the places we love. Enjoy your adventure responsibly, and help keep nature pristine for future generations!

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