Col des Cèdres to Kniset El Rab Loop (Makmel Mountain Ridge)
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 11.72 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,493 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 2,297 ft
- Max elevation
- 8,868 ft
- TrailRank
- 34
- Min elevation
- 7,579 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Time
- 5 hours 23 minutes
- Coordinates
- 17058
- Uploaded
- June 15, 2025
- Recorded
- June 2025
near Maqial el Qalaa, Baalback-Hermel (Liban)
Viewed 100 times, downloaded 2 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
One of the most hikes I’ve always wanted to do again was the stunning section from Col des Cèdres to Kniset El Rab, tracing the majestic ridgeline of Mount Makmel. This part of the mountain is truly something else — rugged, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful, with sweeping panoramic views that stretch endlessly across Lebanon’s highest peaks.
What made this journey even more special was following in the footsteps of the “Highlanders” participants via the trail blazing done for the event — making navigation easier without second-guessing the route.
From the moment I set foot on the trail at Col des Cèdres, I was struck by the serenity and vastness of the landscape. The ridge offered everything I love about high mountain hikes: a sense of elevation, isolation, and awe. Reaching Kniset El Rab — a place of deep silence and spiritual stillness perched high above the Bcharreh District (the second highest Church in Lebanon at 2,335m) — felt like a fitting end to a deeply rewarding journey.
It’s rare to find a trail that combines physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural depth so seamlessly. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience the heart of Mount Makmel in all its glory.
.
.
Col Des Cèdres to Kniset El Rab and back!
What made this journey even more special was following in the footsteps of the “Highlanders” participants via the trail blazing done for the event — making navigation easier without second-guessing the route.
From the moment I set foot on the trail at Col des Cèdres, I was struck by the serenity and vastness of the landscape. The ridge offered everything I love about high mountain hikes: a sense of elevation, isolation, and awe. Reaching Kniset El Rab — a place of deep silence and spiritual stillness perched high above the Bcharreh District (the second highest Church in Lebanon at 2,335m) — felt like a fitting end to a deeply rewarding journey.
It’s rare to find a trail that combines physical challenge, natural beauty, and cultural depth so seamlessly. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience the heart of Mount Makmel in all its glory.
.
.
Col Des Cèdres to Kniset El Rab and back!
Waypoints
Waypoint
8,491 ft
Start
Waypoint
8,868 ft
Lap 2
Waypoint
8,625 ft
Lap 3
Waypoint
8,510 ft
Lap 4
Waypoint
8,579 ft
Lap 5
Waypoint
8,412 ft
Lap 6
Waypoint
8,018 ft
Lap 7
Waypoint
7,644 ft
Lap 8
Waypoint
7,654 ft
Lap 9
Waypoint
7,917 ft
Lap 10
Waypoint
8,133 ft
Lap 11
Waypoint
8,261 ft
Lap 12
Waypoint
8,091 ft
Lap 13
Waypoint
7,890 ft
Lap 14
Waypoint
7,949 ft
Lap 15
Waypoint
7,976 ft
Lap 16
Waypoint
7,631 ft
Lap 17
Waypoint
7,680 ft
Lap 18
Waypoint
8,491 ft
Start
Waypoint
8,868 ft
Lap 2
Waypoint
8,625 ft
Lap 3
Waypoint
8,510 ft
Lap 4
Waypoint
8,579 ft
Lap 5
Waypoint
8,412 ft
Lap 6
Waypoint
8,018 ft
Lap 7
Waypoint
7,644 ft
Lap 8
Waypoint
7,654 ft
Lap 9
Waypoint
7,917 ft
Lap 10
Waypoint
8,133 ft
Lap 11
Waypoint
8,261 ft
Lap 12
Waypoint
8,091 ft
Lap 13
Waypoint
7,890 ft
Lap 14
Waypoint
7,949 ft
Lap 15
Waypoint
7,976 ft
Lap 16
Waypoint
7,631 ft
Lap 17
Waypoint
7,680 ft
Lap 18
You can add a comment or review this trail
Comments (0)