Ajloun Forest Reserve

The Ajloun Forest Reserve is a 13 km² nature reserve managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) in 'Ajlūn Governorate. Located in the evergreen forests of the northern Jordanian highlands, the reserve protects Mediterranean woodland ecosystems dominated by pine, oak, pistachio, and carob trees. It was established in 1987 to conserve the area's biodiversity and promote ecotourism.

The reserve sits at 600–1,100 metres elevation, with marked hiking trails, a visitor centre, and cabin accommodation. Wildlife includes roe deer (reintroduced), foxes, jackals, and diverse bird species. The climate is Mediterranean: warm dry summers (25–30 °C) and cool rainy winters (5–12 °C). Spring (March–May) is the best time to visit, with wildflowers and green forests.

By Plane

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is approximately 120 km south. A rental car is recommended.

By Train

By Car / Road

The reserve is 15 km northwest of Ajloun town (20 min drive). From Amman, the journey takes 1.5–2 hours via Jerash and Ajloun. The access road is paved.

The reserve has marked hiking trails (2–8 km). The visitor centre provides trail maps and guides. Taxis from Ajloun town cost 5–10 JD. The Prophet's Trail connects the reserve with Rasoun village (8 km).

• Visitor centre — exhibits on the reserve's ecology, wildlife, and conservation programmes.

• Hiking trails — marked trails through pine and oak forests with viewpoints.

• Roe deer enclosure — reintroduced roe deer in a protected area.

• Birdwatching — jays, woodpeckers, owls, and seasonal migrants.

• Hiking — multiple trails of varying length and difficulty; the Soap Makers' Trail (2 km) and the Prophet's Trail (8 km) are popular.

• Cabin overnight — stay in RSCN-run wooden cabins in the forest.

• Guided nature walks — RSCN guides offer interpretive walks (book at the visitor centre).

• Rope course — an adventure rope course near the visitor centre.

The reserve's camp offers meals prepared with local ingredients. Picnic areas are available along the trails. No restaurants within the reserve; Ajloun town (20 min) has dining options.

The visitor centre and camp serve tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Bring water for longer hikes.

• Budget: Ajloun Forest Reserve camp — tented camp with shared facilities; 25–35 JD per person including breakfast.
• Mid-range: Ajloun Forest Reserve cabins — private wooden cabins with en-suite bathrooms; 40–60 JD including breakfast.
• Upscale: > TODO: no upscale options within the reserve.

The visitor centre sells local handicrafts, olive oil soap, honey, and nature books.

• Ajloun (20 min) — the famous Ayyubid castle.
• Rasoun (8 km hiking) — village at the end of the Prophet's Trail.
• Jerash (45 min) — Roman ruins.
• Umm Qais (1 hr) — Decapolis ruins with panoramic views.