THE TRAILS

Med Trails Network

The Trails

There are many reasons to walk or cycle the beautiful hiking trails of the Med Trails Network. Let us persuade you!

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nature reserves or protected areas

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UNESCO World Heritage sites

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kilometres of hiking trails

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Important Bird Areas (IBAs) along the trails

Lebanon Mountain Trail highlights

Explore the diverse mountain landscapes along the renowned Lebanon Mountain Trail. Witness majestic cedars, ancient apple orchards, dramatic Qannoubine cliffs, lush pine forests, and vital bird habitats. Discover UNESCO sites, nature reserves, and some of the significant cultural landmarks that make Lebanon a unique blend of natural beauty and historical richness.

Palestinian Heritage Trail highlights

The Palestinian Heritage Trail is more than just a hiking trail; it is an opportunity for hikers from all over the world to meet and make connections with local Palestinians. You can explore Bedouin communities and experience traditional dishes and warm hospitality, a fundamental aspect of Palestinian culture. The trail invites hikers to enjoy the beauty of its nature while encouraging them to better know the people, their culture and their story.

Jordan Trail highlights

Along the Jordan trail, you will witness the rolling hills of the north, the rugged wadis and cliffs overlooking the Jordan Rift Valley, the salty waters of the Dead Sea, the rose-red rock structures of Petra, the dramatic sands and towering mountains in Wadi Rum, and the colorful corals of the Red Sea. It is also a journey through the layers of Jordanian history and an encounter with the country’s people and their cultures, traditions, and cuisine.

Explore the Trails

Stakeholder’s map

Our
Stakeholders

Lebanon Mountain Trail

Start and finish:

from Andeqet in the north to Marjaayoun in the south

Length:

600 km, including all the side trails and network trails

Towns and villages:

76

Protected areas:

5

Highest point:

2073 m

Difficulty:

Some sections are difficult, but there are plenty of easier day-long or weekend hikes for less experienced hikers. There are maps available for each of the 27 sections of the trail.

Thru-hike:

15 to 27 days

Bike-friendly:

yes, some sections of the trail are bike-friendly

Accessibility:

yes, some parts of the trail are accessible

Hiking the trail

Stretching almost the entire length of Lebanon, the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Expect to walk through ancient oak, pine, and cedar forests rich with wildlife, gaze down on red-tiled rooftops while watching farmers in their orchards, and pass dramatic waterfalls crashing hundreds of feet into limestone gorges. Roman temples and monasteries carved into the rock face are dotted along the trail.

The people
of the trail

The communities along the trail are known for their handicrafts such as such as Kanoun pottery, hand-blown glass, delicately embroidered textiles, garments woven with gold and silver thread, and traditional soap making.

Traditional agriculture is an important part of the landscape.

Biodiversity

The trail is a haven for wildlife, making it a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts and conservationists. Expect to see:

  • Fruit orchards, including cherry and some of the last wild apple trees in the world
  • Wild orchids, thyme, and sage thrive along the trail
  • Oak, cedar, and pine forests and millennial olive trees
  • Mammals such as Eurasian badgers (most likely at dawn or dusk), along with jackals, hyenas, and wolves in the nature reserves.
  • Lizards, tortoises, and snakes all make the trail their home.
  • The LMT is on a key migratory route, so you may see bird species, such as the imperial eagle and honey buzzards, alongside the resident rock nuthatch.

Unique features

5 nature reserves
Cedar forests
Wild apple groves
Rivers and waterfalls
Traditional farming
World-class wineries
Authentic Lebanese food
Ancient temples and fortresses

Palestinian Heritage Trail

Start and finish:

from Rummana northwest of Jenin to Beit Mirsim southwest of Hebron back to Artas in Bethlehem. Additionally, the Jerusalem segment runs from the Sea Level Bedouin community through Eizareya to connect to the Old City of Jerusalem.

Length:

550 km

Towns and villages:

93

Protected areas:

5

Highest point:

950m

Difficulty:

moderate. There are several weekend hike itineraries for those who prefer a shorter hike.

Thru-hike:

approximately 32 days

Bike-friendly:

350 km of the trail is bike-friendly

Accessibility:

yes, some parts of the trail are accessible

Hiking the trail

The trail takes travellers through history, culture and nature with every step. Enjoy the landscape of olive groves, wilderness, canyons, vineyards, and terraces. From the colorful, aromatic bustling market towns to Byzantine monasteries, the Palestinian Heritage Trail takes travelers on a journey from the Bronze Age to the modern-day.

The people of the trail

The people living along the trail are farmers and craftspeople known for their warm and welcoming hospitality. Guests return home with memories of the smells and tastes of Palestine and untold stories of their identity, cultural heritage and history along the way. Meet the people of the trail and enjoy every moment of your stay.

Biodiversity

Palestine is home to over 50,000 living species of flora and fauna. Expect to see:

  • Mammals, including striped hyenas, gazelle, wolves, and desert hedgehogs
  • The famous Palestine Oak trees, ancient olive groves, and vineyards
  • Aromatic wild thyme, chamomile, and Palestinian poppies
  • Of the 500 million birds present each year in Palestine, around 50% are migratory.
  • Watch out for storks, pelicans, eagles, and vultures.

Unique features

Old cities of Jerusalem, Hebron and Nablus, Jericho, Bethlehem
Several historical and sacred sites
Five UNESCO World Heritage sites
Bedouin communities
Tell es-Sultan, the world’s oldest fortified city

Jordan Trail

Start and finish:

from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south

Length:

675 km

Towns and villages:

75

Protected areas:

13

Highest point:

1,854 m

Difficulty:

moderate to difficult, with plenty of short hikes available

Thru-hike:

approximately 40 days

Bike-friendly:

Yes, The Jordan Trail crosses paths with the Jordan Biking Trail on multiple sections of the trail.

Accessibility:

The trail is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Hiking the trail

From the lush green of the north, through the sandstone Wadi Mujib canyon, via orchards, olive groves and nature reserves, to the breathtaking ‘Rose City’ of Petra – the Jordan Trail will surpass your imagination. Ancient archaeological sites and epic wilderness make this trail a treat for all adventurers; it is no surprise that this ancient walking route has been designated one of the 21 top tourism destinations by National Geographic.

The people of the trail

Walk alongside shepherds, watch farmers in their olive groves and take up the many offers of tea – the Jordanian people are renowned for their hospitality. The connections you make with local communities as you hike the trail will stay with you long after you have left.

Biodiversity

With 13 protected areas, including the Dana Biosphere Reserve, there is a wealth of wildlife to see:

  • Mammals, including camels, ibex, and antelope
  • An abundance of marine life in and along the Red Sea coast at Aqaba
  • Forests of oak and pine, fig, pomegranate and pistachio trees
  • Crimson poppies, buttercups, cacti, and the famous black irises
  • Birdwatchers will be spoilt: look out for cranes, black kites, and the Sinai rosefinch

Unique features

Alijoun forest reserve and the Dana biosphere reserve
Historical sites and sacred sites, including Mount Nebo and the Sea of Galilee, medieval
Arab architecture and Petra, the ancient city of the Nabataeans
Wadi Rum desert and the Wadi Mujib canyon
Climbing and canyoning
Drinking tea with Bedouin tribes

Safety Guidance

Hiking, trekking, and climbing involve inherent risks, including the potential for injury or death. Individuals participating in these activities must acknowledge and assume full responsibility for their own safety. Med Trails Network disclaims all liability for any health-related issues arising from the use of trails featured or promoted on this website.

Before embarking on any adventure in our network, we strongly advise you to carefully research and adhere to the travel advisories specific to your country. This essential step will ensure you have the most up-to-date information on potential risks and necessary precautions for a safe and enjoyable journey.