National landscape corridor connecting conservation, rural livelihoods, heritage, tourism, and resilience.
A National Trail Along the Backbone of Lebanon’s Mountain Communities
Since its creation in 2007, the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (LMTA) has worked to develop and protect the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT), while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism that safeguards the natural and cultural heritage of rural Lebanon.
The LMT is more than a hiking route. Through its programs, LMTA promotes environmental education, responsible outdoor recreation, wellbeing, and access to nature for all, while helping create economic opportunities and support livelihood improvement in communities along the trail. Its work includes supporting local guides, guesthouses, municipalities, and other stakeholders involved in rural tourism.
Over the years, the LMT has become an important platform for community-based rural tourism, bringing together local authorities, municipalities, tour operators, universities, researchers, public and private organizations, and donors. Through these partnerships, LMTA promotes the culture of trails and socially and environmentally responsible tourism across Lebanon.
The trail has helped expand rural tourism and create opportunities for longer stays in mountain communities. It has also opened income-generating opportunities for local people, including women and youth, while contributing to the social and economic vitality of rural areas.
Building on this experience, LMTA has become an important reference for trail development and a catalyst for new trails, side trails, trail-based education, and mountain research. Its work also contributes to bringing the importance of mountain conservation to the attention of local and national decision-makers.
Conservation & Standards
The Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (LMTA) is strengthening trail management and conservation by drawing on international standards and best practices. This approach aims to enhance the safety, quality, and environmental sustainability of hiking in Lebanon while strengthening the LMT as a responsible tourism asset.
A key milestone is LMTA’s collaboration with LIBNOR to develop Lebanon’s first national trail standards for official adoption, providing guidelines for trail development, maintenance, safety, and environmental management.
Conservation is also integrated into LMTA’s broader work through biodiversity protection, preservation of cultural heritage, and environmental education. By combining international experience with local knowledge and community involvement, LMTA contributes to safeguarding Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Accessibility & Responsible Hiking
Safe Access for All
The Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) promotes accessible, safe, and responsible hiking through regular trail maintenance, signage, mapping, risk assessment, and local coordination, while protecting Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage.
Through the “Access for All” initiative, the LMT Association has trained more than 50 guides and volunteers to assist hikers using specialized equipment, including the Joëlette for people with mobility challenges and the Directional Bar for people with visual impairments. These efforts help make Lebanon’s mountain landscapes more accessible to all.
Responsible Hiking & Stewardship
Responsible hiking is central to the work of the LMT Association and its volunteers. It includes respect for local communities, environmental conservation, waste reduction, and adherence to safety guidelines.
The Association promotes a “Leave No Trace” culture by encouraging hikers and visitors to reduce waste, avoid single-use plastics, carry out non-biodegradable materials, and recycle where possible.
Community clean-ups and environmental awareness campaigns further encourage responsible practices that help protect Lebanon’s landscapes, soil, water resources, and natural heritage while supporting the wellbeing of communities along the trail.
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