Ajloun Forest Reserve - Flow travel Jordan

AJLOUN FOREST RESERVE

Ajloun Forest Reserve is located in the Ajloun highlands north of Amman and covers 13 square kilometers. It is dominated by open woodlands of Evergreen Oak, Pine, Carob, Wild Pistachio and Wild Strawberry trees. These trees have been important to local people for their wood, scenic beauty, and quite often for medicine and food.

The Ajloun area has a long history of human settlement, due to its mild climate, dense forests, and fertile soil. This rich history is reflected in the many archaeological ruins scattered in the woodlands and surrounding villages. The reserve itself supports a wide variety of wild plants and animals and is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Among the more unusual animals to be found in the Reserve are the Striped Hyena, Crested Porcupine and Stone Marten. In spring, the reserve is a carpet of wild flowers, including drifts of anemones and rockroses.

The Royal Academy for Nature Conservation
His Majesty King Abdullah II laid the foundation stone of a specialized Academy for training on the protection of nature and sustainable development near Ajloun Forest Reserve in 2010, and HRH Crown Prince Hussein inaugurated in 2015. The academy is “the first center in the Arab world” specialized in offering training on nature conservation.

The Academy constructed nearby the Ajloun Forest Reserve. It will be physically linked with the Reserve and its tourism facilities to create a single integrated eco-tourism complex. This will enable the Academy to use these tourism facilities as real-life training situations. Some of the key facilities in the Academy are training rooms, Medical clinic, a small conference hall and a restaurant.

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

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.

Orjan Village Trail Guided only

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 12 km

Time: 6 hours

Group size: 4-18 people

Description

Continuing from Rasoun village, this tour takes you through wooded valleys to the lush green orchards of Orjan village, giving you the chance to discover the rural lifestyle of the region. A poplar-lined spring provides a wonderful contrast to the arid mountains of the previous stages of the trail. As you hike, you will notice the dramatic rock walls, old water mills once used by local people to grind their seeds and the hollow walnut tree.

Enjoy a delicious traditional Brunch in an orchard of fig, pomegranate, apple and apricot trees. At the end of the trail, you will pass through an old Olive trees dating back to the old days of Roman Empire.