El Chouf

From Sofar, before the turnoff to Dahr el-Baidar, a road to the right takes you to the large town of Ain Dar (in the caza of Aley) then to Nabaa es-Safa, known for its springs, waterfalls and open-air restaurants. Further on is Ain Zhalta, with its thermal springs and pine forest. The same road goes to Barouk, a pleasant summer town with abundant springs. The Cedars of Barouk, reached from either Moukhtara or Barouk village, are smaller and younger than those of Bsharreh, but extremely beautiful and well cared for.  
Above the grove at the summit of the mountain there is a panoramic view overlooking the Beqaa valley.

Another cedar grove can be found on Mount Maaser above the picturesque village of Maaser esh-Shouf, reached via Deir el-Qamar, Bhamdoun or Moukhtara. Maaser, which means “presses” in Arabic, is known for its arak, an anise flavored grape alcohol. The mountain top here also has a spectacular view that extends over much of the Beqaa.

Together, the forest of Barouk, Maaser esh-Shouf and Ain Zhalta form a reserve of over two million cedar trees. More than 112 species of birds, 16 species of other trees and 24 species of wild mammals are also protected in this area, which accounts for five percent of Lebanon’s territory.