Ajloun Soap House Trail (Ajloun–Orjan): Hiking & Cultural Visit Guide (2026)
ال Ajloun Soap House Trail is one of the most satisfying half-day walks in northern Jordan: you start from the مركز زوار محمية غابات عجلون, hike through shaded woodland, then finish with a visit to the بيت الصابون in the Orjan area, where traditional olive-oil soap is made as part of a community livelihood model connected to conservation and training initiatives.
If you want a hike that feels local—trees, stone features, village views, and a meaningful stop at the end—this is a great choice.
The Ajloun Soap House Trail is part of a wider network of walking routes across the country. Travelers who want to explore more village paths, forest hikes, and scenic trails can browse the full collection in the Hiking in Jordan 2026 trail guide, which organizes routes by region, difficulty, and season.
حقائق سريعة
Start: مركز زوار محمية غابات عجلون
Finish: Soap House in/near Orjan (some itineraries mention passing Rasoun on the way)
Distance: commonly described as 6–7 km (route variants exist; confirm at the visitor center)
الوقت المطلوب: around 3 hours walking (pace dependent) + Soap House time
Difficulty: generally described as moderate
أبرز النقاط: oak/pistachio/oriental strawberry trees, a ruined wine press detour, viewpoints (Eagle View Point mentioned in several descriptions), community Soap House visit
افضل موسم: spring & autumn
Guided or self-guided: policies vary by trail/operator; confirm when you book
جدول المحتويات
Trail overview
What you’ll see on the way
The Soap House visit: what it is and why it matters
Route description (step by step)
Difficulty and who it suits
أفضل وقت للذهاب
What to bring
Getting there & logistics (from Amman / Jerash / Ajloun)
Responsible hiking etiquette
Nearby add-ons
Trail overview
The Soap House Trail is commonly described as a point-to-point hike that begins at the Ajloun Forest Reserve Visitor Center and leads through shaded woodland toward the Orjan area, finishing at the Soap House. It is one of several well-known Ajloun hiking trails, which together form the green heart of Jordan’s northern highlands and are featured in the Hiking in Jordan 2026 trail guide
One reason this trail stands out is the “story” of the day: it doesn’t finish where it starts. Your end point is a real place with a real local purpose—so it feels like you went somewhere, not just walked a loop.
What you’ll see on the way
Ajloun’s woodland character (a different side of Jordan)
Ajloun sits in Jordan’s greener north, with rolling hills and Mediterranean-style woodland. The reserve is known for its forest scenery and biodiversity, and the Soap House Trail is designed to let you experience that shade and greenery at walking pace.
A small heritage detour: the ruined wine press
Several trail descriptions call out a short detour to a ruined wine press. It’s not a “big monument,” but it adds texture to the walk—proof that these valleys were worked long before modern tourism arrived.
Viewpoints and village panoramas (Eagle View Point)
Some reputable guides and trail descriptions mention Eagle View Point (often described around the 1,000–1,100 m elevation range) before the trail descends toward village landscapes. If your route includes it, this is the place to pause: it’s one of the best wide views you’ll get in Ajloun without doing a much longer hike.
The Soap House visit: what it is and why it matters
The Soap House is typically described as a community-linked stop connected to the reserve’s conservation and training ecosystem. Multiple sources explain that local women make traditional Orjan olive-oil soap, and visitors can often see the process (or at least get an explanation) and buy products directly.
What you can usually expect at the Soap House (without overpromising):
A simple introduction to how olive oil soap is produced locally (availability can depend on timing and group size)
A small shop area with bars/balls and other natural products (exact product range changes)
A chance to support a local initiative tied to the reserve model
Why it matters: this isn’t just a “souvenir stop.” It connects hiking to community income and local craft, which is one of the clearest examples of responsible tourism in practice.
Route description (step by step)
Because there are route variants described online (and operators sometimes adjust routes), use this as the “typical flow,” then confirm the exact trail map and finish logistics at the visitor center on the day.
1) Start at Ajloun Forest Reserve Visitor Center
Arrive early if you can. This is where hikes usually begin and where you confirm entry, fees, and whether the walk is guided that day.
2) Forest section through oak and strawberry trees
You’ll spend a good part of the walk in thick woodland—one of the reasons Ajloun feels so different from Jordan’s desert landscapes. Sources repeatedly mention the signature mix of oak, pistachio, and oriental strawberry trees.
3) Optional detour: the ruined wine press
If it’s included on your route, it’s a short, worthwhile pause—especially if you enjoy small historical traces in the landscape.
4) Viewpoint section (often Eagle View Point)
Some routes include a climb to a viewpoint before descending toward villages. If your hike reaches Eagle View Point, expect a broad panorama over hills and nearby communities.
5) Descent toward village landscapes (Rasoun / Orjan area)
Many descriptions emphasize a descent toward village life. Some mention Rasoun in the route narrative; others focus on the neighboring village Orjan as the endpoint. Either way, this is where shade can become less reliable—another reason to start early in warm weather.
6) Finish at the Soap House (Orjan area)
Plan time to actually enjoy the end point. Even a short stop makes the day feel complete; a longer stop lets you ask questions, understand the process, and browse products calmly.
Difficulty and who it suits
Most sources describe the Soap House Trail as moderate وتقريبا 6–7 km taking around 3 hours, depending on pace.
It’s not technical, but it’s a real hike—expect some climbing/descending and uneven natural paths.
Great fit for:
Travelers who want a nature-focused half-day in northern Jordan
People who enjoy a hike with a cultural/community finish
Families with older kids who can walk steadily
Anyone looking for “green Jordan” rather than desert scenery
Consider a shorter trail if:
You want a very easy loop under an hour
You struggle with descents or knee impact
You can’t start early in warm months
Guided vs self-guided (important note)
Some guide material describes self-guided walking trails from the reserve visitor center, while other newer travel resources suggest that many Ajloun trails (beyond the shortest) are typically done with a guide. The safest approach is: assume it may be guided and confirm when booking.
أفضل وقت للذهاب
Best seasons
الربيع (مارس-مايو): the forest is greener and wildflowers are common.
الخريف (سبتمبر-نوفمبر): comfortable walking temperatures and clear light.
Best time of day
Start in the morning. Even with forest shade, you’ll appreciate cooler temperatures when you reach more open sections near villages.
Weather notes
After rain, natural paths can be slippery. If weather is unstable, check conditions with the visitor center before you commit.
What to bring (practical list)
Shoes with grip (trail surfaces can vary)
1.5–2 liters of water per person (more in warm weather)
Sun protection (shade is not constant the whole route)
Light snack
A light layer (Ajloun highlands can feel cool in the morning)
Cash/card for reserve fees and Soap House purchases (payment options vary)
Getting there & logistics (Amman, Jerash, Ajloun)
من عمان
Driving is simplest. Route planners commonly show around 66 km by road and roughly 1 hour 8 minutes driving time (traffic dependent).
If you don’t have a car, a private driver is usually the easiest solution—especially because the hike often ends away from the start point.
From Jerash
Jerash pairs very naturally with Ajloun: Roman ruins in the morning, forest hiking later. Many travel guides reference this region as an easy combined day. (If you’re tight on time, do Jerash early, then hike.)
From Ajloun town / Ajloun Castle
If you’re already in Ajloun, the reserve is close enough to build a relaxed day: castle views + forest walk + Soap House stop. قلعة عجلون is also often mentioned as a nearby highlight in the Ajloun area.
The key logistics detail: how you get back
Because the trail is commonly described as ending at the Soap House in Orjan (rather than returning to the visitor center), plan one of these:
An organized hike that includes transfers
A driver who can pick you up at the finish
Two cars (one at start, one at end) if traveling with friends
Many travelers include Ajloun as part of a broader Jordan itinerary that balances nature and culture. After exploring forest trails in the north, it is common to continue south toward Petra. If you are planning that route, the Visit Petra travel guide provides practical information on entry routes, timing, and realistic itineraries.
Responsible hiking etiquette in Ajloun
Ajloun trails pass close to villages and farmland. A few habits keep this positive for everyone:
Stay on established paths; don’t cut across planted areas
Keep voices low near homes; greet people politely
Ask before photographing people up close
Carry out all litter (including tissues)
Don’t pick flowers or damage plants—this is protected habitat
Support community initiatives respectfully (Soap House purchases are a direct way)
Nearby add-ons (2–3 ideas)
1) قلعة عجلون
A natural add-on for a “history + nature” day. It’s one of the region’s most famous landmarks and gives great panoramic views.
2) Jerash (ancient Roman city)
Perfect if you want to combine culture and outdoors in one day. Do Jerash early, then head to Ajloun for the hike.
3) Ajloun Forest Reserve visitor area
If you’re booking through the reserve system, build time for the visitor center area before or after the hike—especially if you want a slower pace and an easier day.
Beyond the Soap House Trail, Ajloun offers castles, forest reserves, and traditional villages that reward a longer stay. Nearby attractions, accommodations, and experiences across the region are covered in the Ajloun destination guide, which brings together the highlights of northern Jordan.