Roe Deer Trail

Guided or self-guided Grade: Easy Distance: 2 km Time: Less than 1 hour Group size: 4 – 18 people

Description: This short circular trail starts at the campsite and offers great views over the reserve. Not far from the campsite, you will find an old stone wine press. Early in the morning, you may be lucky enough to see Roe deer before you return to the visitor center.

 

Rasoun Trail

(Year-round, except during Ramadan), Guided only Grade: Moderate Distance: 6 – 7 km Time: 2 – 3 hours Group size: 4 – 18 people

This trail begins at the Reserve’s Visitor Center; you will hike through thick, healthy woodlands filled with Oak, Pistachio, and oriental Strawberry trees. Take a short detour to view a ruined wine press before you pass one of the oldest Strawberry trees in the Reserve on your way down into the valley.

The trail climbs 1000m above sea level at Eagle’s View Point descending to Rasoun village, and then you will be transferred to visit the Soap House at the Royal Academy for Nature Conservation where the local women of Ajloun follow the traditional process of making Orjan pure Olive Oil soap.

 

Rockrose Trail

Guided only Grade: Moderate Distance: 8 km Time: 3 – 4 hours Group size: 4 – 18 people Requirements: Reasonable level of fitness

Description: Named for the flowers that can be seen around the trail every spring, this hiking loop passes through thick woodlands, orchards, farms and villages in and around the reserve. It offers beautiful views of the West Bank, Syria, and the Jordanian countryside. About halfway through the hike, observe the wine and olive press from the Byzantine and Roman eras, and just before reaching the end of the trail, rest in the shade of a large Maloul tree. Each season has different vegetation to enjoy.

The first half of the trail is uphill and the second half is downhill; there are steep scrambles enroute that demand a reasonable level of fitness.

 

The Prophet’s Trail

Guided only Grade: Moderate Distance: 8.5 km Time: 4 hours Group size: 4 – 18 people

Description: This hike takes you from Ajloun Forest Reserve Visitor Center to Mar Elias, the ruins of one of Jordan’s oldest churches. It is named for the Prophet Elias, or Elijah, to whom Mar Elias is dedicated. The trail leads through fig and pear orchards, amongst forests of oak and oriental strawberry trees. The stonewalls that crisscross the valley guard the farmers’ crops inside from both the winter rains and wild boar. Relax in the shade with a glass of tea before climbing to the hilltop ruins, which provide sweeping views of the surrounding area. The hike also includes a locally prepared picnic lunch near the ruins.

 

Ajloun Castle Trail

Guided only Grade: Difficult Distance: 18 km Time: Full Day Group size: 4 – 18 people

Description: Once you have reached Mar Elias, you have the option of continuing on this challenging trail, which takes you by small farmhouse and their adjacent orchards on your way to Ajloun Castle, built between AD 1184 – 1188 by Salahadin’s nephew. In the first section of the trail, you can enjoy views of the West Bank and Syria, before you descend into a wooded valley. The final difficult uphill is rewarded by the incredible Castle and the marvelous views that accompany it. The hike also includes a locally prepared picnic lunch.

 

Ajloun Hiking Trails

Roe Deer Trail

Guided or self-guided Grade: Easy Distance: 2 km Time: Less than 1 hour Group size: 4-18 people

Description: This short circular trail starts at the campsite and offers great views over the reserve. Not far from the campsite you will find an old stone wine press. Early in the morning, you may be lucky enough to see Roe deer before you return to the visitor center.

 

Please note: All trails are available all year round depending on weather conditions.