The elevation of the hills gradually increases above 800 metres and culminates with Ještěd.

The largest settlements whose territories extend into the ridge are Liberec, Semily, Chrastava and Lomnice nad Popelkou.

[3] Almost the entire Ještěd Ridge is covered by forest up to the valley of Mohelka.

The central part of the ridge (including the Kozákov mountain) intersects the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area.

In addition to several small-scale protected areas, the Ještěd and Maloskalsko nature parks have been created.