Hiking Elephant Mountain (or Xiang Shan), is one of the ultimate Taipei travel experiences and while there are many possible routes, this specific one has been voted to be one of the 100 best hiking trails in Taiwan.
Author: taiwantrailsandtales
MOUNT DATA (大塔山)
Mount Data, also known as Ta Shan or Big Ta Mountain, is the highest of Taiwan's 100 minor peaks, standing 2,663 meters above sea level. It offers a fun walk for both new and regular hikers with beautiful forest scenery and spectacular views of layered mountains from the summit.
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL B ROUTE – LONGTAN LAKE to SANKENG OLD STREET (樟之細路B線：龍潭大池/三坑老幾)
The Raknus Selu Trail's B route kicks off with a gentle wander around Longtan Lake. In fact, water is a running theme through this day's walking. There's a lake, streams, and the fast-flowing torrent of Shimen Big Canal.
MOUNT DAWULUN (大武崙山)
This short trail in Keelung’s Zhongshan District has a little bit of lots of things. It’s a historic trail. It takes you through an old fort. It includes one of Taiwan’s Xiao Bai Yue. And in the right weather, it can end with a dip in the sea and snacks by the beach.
CINSBU GIANT TREE GROVE (鎮西堡巨木B區)
Deep in the mountains of Hsinchu, there are several groves of giant trees. This one offers a rewarding day's foray into Taiwan's mountainous forests and is the perfect destination for an overnight weekend getaway from Taipei.
JINBAOLI TRAIL (金包里大路)
This historic trail in Yangmingshan National Park is a section of a longer trail of connecting Shilin with Jinshan. This section is a beautiful and gentle walk with different types of scenery to enjoy along the way.
MOUNT DAHENGPING (大橫屏山)
This quiet ridge hike straddles the border of Taichung and Nantou Counties. In clear weather, it offers a few views, but even on hazy days, the forest scenery makes for pleasant walking.
TIANZHONG FOREST PARK TRAIL (田中森林公園步道)
This surprisingly scenic trail in Changhua County offers a breezy workout with a side-serving of impressive views.
TUKUYUE (土庫岳)
This quick loop in the southern reaches of Taipei City is an one of easy 100 Minor Peaks that can be visited in half a day.
DAKENG TRAILS 10 & 9-1
This easy loop in Taichung's Beitun District takes in two of Dakeng's famous hiking trails.
YANGMINGSHAN EAST-WEST TRAIL (陽明山西東縱走)
Are you ready to take on Yangmingshan's National Park's biggest challenge? The 26-kilometre Yangmingshan East-West Trail is a tough trail with lots of lovely scenery to offer those who are foolhardy enough to take it on.
LITTLE SOUTH CHINA SEA LOOP (小南海O型)
This short loop in the flatlands of Chiayi is a gentle way to stretch your legs on a lazy afternoon.
MOUNT LITOU & SANDUANQI HISTORIC TRAIL (犁頭山/三段崎古道)
The Hsinchu Townships of Xinpu and Qionglin are separated by a plough-shaped wedge of a hill rising from behind the century-and-a-half-old Lianhua Temple. This walk takes you along the crest of the hill before cutting down a historic trail to rejoin civilisation.
YONGSHI & TIEHAN FORTS (勇士堡/鐵漢堡)
Yongshi and Tiehan Forts are twin fortifications on Xiao Kinmen that are connected by subterranean tunnels. It's just one of many old military installations-turned-tourist attractions that you can find all over Kinmen and its smaller neighbour.
DONGMAN TRAIL (東滿步道)
Dongman Trail is a unique experience among Taiwan hiking trails in that it connects two of Taiwan's forest recreation areas: Dongyanshan and Manyueyuan. At around 16-17km, it is a relatively long day-hike, but walkers who venture onto this route are treated to picturesque and peaceful forest scenery.
