Yarmouk Nature Reserve | Irbid

Yarmouk Nature Reserve is a protected area located in the northwestern corner of Jordan, adjacent to the borders of Syria and Israel. It occupies the slopes of the Yarmouk River Valley within the Irbid Governorate, near the ancient site of Umm Qais.

Visual Characteristics

The reserve is characterized by steep limestone and basalt hillsides that descend into deep river gorges. It contains the last remaining natural stands of Deciduous Oak (Quercus ithaburensis), Jordan's national tree, which feature gnarled trunks and broad canopies. The terrain is covered in dense Mediterranean grasses and seasonal wildflowers, with rock outcrops and small caves interspersed throughout the varying elevations.

Location & Access Logistics

The reserve is accessed via the village of Umm Qais, approximately 110 kilometers north of Amman. From Irbid, visitors follow the main northern road for 28 kilometers to reach the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) entrance. While most of the reserve requires hiking for access, the Al-Yarmouk Forest trail starts near the reserve's administrative office; private vehicles can be parked at the designated RSCN lot.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 2010 by the RSCN, the reserve was created to protect the deciduous oak forest ecosystem. Geologically, it sits on the edge of the Jordan Rift Valley, shaped by prehistoric volcanic activity and tectonic shifts. The area has served as a strategic lookout point throughout history, overlooking the site of the 636 AD Battle of Yarmouk.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking is the primary activity, with marked trails such as the 7-kilometer Oak Forest Trail. Birdwatching is prominent, as the reserve is an Important Bird Area (IBA) for migratory species like the Lesser Spotted Eagle. Guided botanical walks focus on the identification of rare irises and orchids during the spring season.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The reserve features an RSCN visitor center, a small guesthouse, and public restrooms at the entrance. Shade is abundant under the oak canopies along specific trails, but absent on higher ridges. 4G cellular signal is generally available, though international roaming may occur due to border proximity; food is available through pre-booked meals at the reserve's local kitchen.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal period for visiting is from February to April, during the peak flowering of the Black Iris and wild almond trees. Photography is most effective in the early morning (07:00 to 09:00) when the mist often settles in the Yarmouk Valley below. The reserve is open daily, but permits from the RSCN are required for specific hiking routes.

Facts & Legends

The reserve is one of the few places in Jordan where the Syrian Woodpecker and the Mountain Gazelle can still be sighted in their natural habitat. A local tip for visitors is to look for the "Stone Circles" located on the higher plateaus, which are believed to be prehistoric livestock pens or ritual markers.

Nearby Landmarks

Umm Qais Archaeological Site (2.5km South)

Yarmouk River (1.5km North)

Al-Himma Hot Springs (3.5km Northwest)

Basilica Terrace (2.8km South)