Cedars Of Lebanon

Overview

Introduction

A cedar tree graces Lebanon's flag, though few of the fabled trees remain. If you want to see them, it will require some effort on your part. The best place to get a look at the famous trees is at the grove on Mount Makmal (about 5 mi/10 km east of Bcharre, 80 mi/129 km northeast of Beirut). At 6,000 ft/1,800 m above sea level (take along a sweater), a cluster of large old cedars survives. There are two entrances to the park: one off the main road, among the souvenir stands, and another farther up the road on the way to the ski resort. In the midst of the trees is an unusual piece of sculpture: A French artist, who's involved in the campaign to protect and plant cedars, carved a sculpture out of the trunk of a dead tree rather than let it be chopped down. Also, see if you can pick out the two trees called Adam and Eve—their trunks are joined at the "hip."

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