Looking to trade city noise for forest breezes and mountain views? Head north and you’ll find one of Jordan’s most peaceful escapes, Yarmouk Nature Reserve. This lush corner near the Syrian border is a world away from desert heat and tourist crowds. It’s a hidden gem where you can hike through oak woods, spot rare birds, and watch sunsets from cliffside trails.
We recommend renting a car in Jordan to get the most out of your trip. Public transport doesn’t easily reach these remote spots, and driving gives you the freedom to stop along the way, whether it’s for local coffee in Irbid or a scenic overlook. In this Yarmouk Nature Reserve travel guide, we’ll cover what to see, where to stop on the drive from Amman, hiking spots, and more.
Yarmouk Nature Reserve is in Jordan's far northwest corner, not far from the Golan Heights and the ancient ruins of Umm Qais. It's about a two-hour drive from Amman via Route 35. The reserve is tucked between lush hills and valleys, making it one of the greenest parts of the country.
The area has a higher elevation than the Jordan Valley. Most of the reserve sits between 300 and 500 meters above sea level, depending on where you are in the forested hills. The climate here is milder and more humid, especially in spring.The villages around the reserve, like Kufr Asad and Al Himma, are small and peaceful. Many travelers stay in Umm Qais, where you’ll find guesthouses and ancient ruins looking out over Israel, Syria, and the Sea of Galilee.
Visiting Yarmouk Nature Reserve by car makes your trip smoother and much more flexible. While it’s possible to get there by public transport, it involves multiple transfers starting in Madaba, switching in Jerash, and finding a shared taxi to Malka. The journey can take over 3 hours, and bus schedules aren’t always reliable.
With a rental car, you can explore at your own pace. Northern Jordan has many hidden gems like Umm Qais, scenic hilltop viewpoints, and quiet farm villages you’d miss by bus. You can stop for photos, coffee breaks, or a spontaneous hike. Driving also gives you direct access to the reserve’s walking trails. Some paths start deep in the forest, far from main roads. With a car, you can park close to trailheads and picnic areas.
Renting a car in Jordan is simple, especially if starting in Amman or Irbid. Both cities have several car rental options, but Amman is the better choice. Car rental agencies in Amman offer more vehicle types, better prices, and faster service, especially if you're arriving through Queen Alia International Airport. Irbid is closer to Yarmouk, but it has fewer rental options.
To rent a car, you'll need a valid international driver’s license, your home country license, and a credit card. Most companies also ask for a passport or ID copy. It’s best to book online before arrival to save time and avoid higher walk-in rates.
For the trip to Yarmouk Nature Reserve, a compact car is fine if you stick to paved roads and stay in major towns. But an SUV is a safer bet if you plan to explore deeper trails, hillside villages, or drive during rainy months. Some back roads can get muddy or rocky, especially in rural areas. Jordan’s road signs are usually in Arabic and English, and main roads are well-maintained. Still, drive carefully.
The drive from Amman to Yarmouk Nature Reserve takes about 2 hours. The route starts through central Amman streets before merging onto Al-Urdon Street and continuing north. After passing Irbid, the journey follows Route 10 and local roads through Malka, with several turns along village paths before arriving at the nature reserve. If you’ve got a bit of time, these scenic stops are worth pulling over for.
Looking for peaceful trails, ancient ruins, and hidden natural gems? Yarmouk Nature Reserve is packed with outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, birdwatching, or just soaking in the views, here are the top things to do once you reach Yarmouk Nature Reserve.
This moderate, 3–4 hour guided hike begins near the Princess Basma Center in Al-Mansoura, within the western zone of Yarmouk Forest Reserve. The trail winds through oak and carob tree-filled valleys, where you’ll pass by ancient frescoes painted inside old caves and stone dwellings. These ruins hint at Roman and Byzantine settlements that once existed here. The route ends with sweeping views of Lake Tiberias, the Yarmouk River, and the Golan Heights, making it one of the most rewarding hikes in the reserve.
Al-Hreith Trail is an easy trail ideal for casual walkers, The 1 to 2 hour hike begins near Mansoura village, just inside the eastern part of the reserve. The landscape shifts between fallen oak forests and tall cultivated pines. Along the way, you’ll find Roman water channels, old caves, and even 19th-century military trenches. At 308 meters above sea level, there’s a scenic lookout with panoramic views of Lake Tiberias, the Tur Mountains, and the Golan Heights.
This scenic 3 to 4-hour trail starts from Umm Qais, a hilltop town just north of the reserve, and runs down to Muntamra Valley. With moderate difficulty, it crosses rolling ridgelines covered in hawthorn and sycamore trees. Expect to pass ancient rock wells, caves, and rugged outcrops. The descent takes you to just 85 meters above sea level, with constant views of the Golan Heights and the lush valleys below.
This is a longer, 12 km guided mountain trail taking about 5 to 7 hours, starting in Dar Al-Basha and ending near Mansoura. It’s ideal for nature lovers, passing through habitats filled with Greek tortoises, geckos, and hawthorn trees. A scenic point at 308 meters lets you soak in views of Lake Tiberias and the surrounding highlands. The route gradually descends to the Al-ʿAra'is Pond.
The Yarmouk Nature Reserve is home to 18 species of mammals, including the Arabian Gazelle, Stone Marten, Rock Hyrax, Egyptian mongoose, Jungle Cat, and Asiatic Jackal. Birdwatchers should head toward the quieter zones near Al-Hreith and Arqoub Romi Trails, where they may spot the Syrian Woodpecker, Kestrel, Sand Partridge, Bee-eater, and Hoopoe, especially around dawn or late afternoon.
Cultural remains are scattered across the reserve, especially along the Muntamra and Al-Shreif Trails. These include Byzantine settlement ruins, caves used as shelters, and Roman-built wells and water channels. Many ruins are unmarked and partially hidden, so take your time and watch for carved stones and pottery fragments.
Located near the end of the Arqoub Romi Trail, west of Mansoura village, this seasonal pond fills during the rainy season. In spring, it’s surrounded by reeds and wildflowers. A wooden bench nearby makes it an ideal place to pause, take in the landscape, or grab a scenic sunrise photo.
Roughly 6 km northwest of the reserve, the Al-Himma Hot Springs are in the village of Mukheiba, overlooking the Yarmouk River and the Golan Heights. These sulfur-rich pools have been used since Roman times for their healing properties. While simple, the natural setting and consistently warm water (around 40°C) make it a popular spot for relaxing after a long day on the trails.
While there are no lodges in the Yarmouk Forest Reserve, nearby Irbid offers several hotels that make great bases for your visit. Here are three solid options, all within a 30 to 35 minute drive of the reserve.
Sedrah Hotel in Irbid is about 30 kilometers from the reserve, which makes it a good base for day trips. The hotel offers different room types, like the Studio Room VIP with a kitchen and dining area, or the Deluxe Suite if you want more space. The hotel is also connected to Arabella Mall, so you’ve got direct access to shops, a cinema, cafés, and popular spots like KFC and Pizza Hut without driving anywhere. If you’re hungry for something more local or international, the hotel’s restaurant serves Arabic, European, and Asian dishes, including vegetarian options. After hiking one of Yarmouk’s trails, you can relax at the fitness club.
Seven Days Hotel in Irbid is about a 35-minute drive from the reserve and just a short walk from Yarmouk University. The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and cozy rooms with balconies and kitchenettes. You can choose from several room types. The budget triple and classic quadruple rooms come with breakfast included. The on-site restaurant and café are convenient if you don’t feel like going out after a long hike, and Wi-Fi, room service, and 24/7 reception make your stay smooth and stress-free.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly and simple place to stay near Yarmouk Nature Reserve, Ajnadeen Hotel in Irbid is a solid pick. It’s about a 35-minute drive to the reserve and is located near Yarmouk Mall. The hotel has air conditioning, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV, plus free Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast to start your day right. You’ll also find helpful amenities like free parking, 24-hour reception, room service, and even a barber shop and currency exchange inside the hotel. Some rooms have a small kitchen setup, which is handy if you prefer to prepare simple meals. It's also close to the Museum of Jordanian Heritage.
Driving to Yarmouk Nature Reserve is one of the best ways to see northern Jordan. You’ve got Roman ruins in Jerash, hilltop castles in Ajloun, and those killer views from Umm Qais all before you even reach the reserve. Once you're at Yarmouk, you’ve got quiet forest trails, wildlife, and history carved into the hills.
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