Bkassine Pine Forest
One of the largest umbrella pine forests in the Middle East, covering the hills around a village near Jezzine.
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The forest around Bkassine covers roughly a hundred and seventy hectares of stone pine, the umbrella-shaped species grown for its edible nuts, and it is among the largest stands of its kind in the region. Paths and tracks run through it, there is a campsite and picnic ground, and the village itself keeps a stock of old stone houses with red tile roofs. Pine nut harvesting is still a local trade and the cones are collected in autumn.
What you actually see
- The pine stand - around 170 hectares of umbrella pine, one of the region's largest.
- The forest paths - walking tracks and picnic areas under the canopy.
- The village - red-roofed stone houses at the edge of the forest.
- The nut harvest - cone collection in autumn, still a working trade.
When to go
April to November is the season, with autumn the best for colour and the pine nut harvest. Summer weekends bring picnickers in numbers. Winter is cold and quiet.
Honest expectations
Weekend crowds and barbecue smoke can spoil the quiet in summer. Litter is a problem in the picnic areas. Facilities beyond the campsite are minimal.
Nearby
Jezzine is five kilometres away, and the Chouf is north.
What to pack for Bkassine Pine Forest
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
