This wonderful pocket-sized adventure on Taiwan's northern coast is almost a perfect half-day hike.
Author: taiwantrailsandtales
RAKNUS SELU DAY 9 (樟之細路D9)
Day 9 on the Raknus Selu trail was a pleasant day. After a comfortable night spent in a B&B beside Mingde Reservoir, we walked along historic trails to arrive in the town of Shitan.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 8 (樟之細路D8)
Day eight on the Raknus Selu Trail was a long day. It saw us travelling about 24 kilometres from Sanwan to the top end of Mindge Reservoir via trails, track, and roads.
NEIHU TWIN HEARTS TRAIL (內湖雙心縱走)
Normally trails draw me because they offer some specific feature or summit. Maybe a waterfall, a unique temple, or a view that stretches for miles and miles. This walk does indeed have many peaks, some temples, a waterfall, and some views, but the real attraction of this trail is the double heart-shaped route it traces on the map.
MOUNT MAOLAN (貓蘭山)
This short and very easy trail can be done as part of a visit to Nantou's Sun Moon Lake. Along the way you'll learn a little about the history of tea in Taiwan, and tick off another of the 100 Minor Peaks.
FENGZILIN SHAN and NIAOYUE SHAN (楓子林山/鳥月山)
This slightly rough-around-the-edges walk is probably not going to be everybody's cup of tea. But if you've done lots of the popular hikes around Taipei and are looking for something a little quieter then this might just be the walk for you.
EWEISHAN PADDY TERRACE and PINGJING STREET CHERRY BLOSSOM (鵝尾山水田/平菁街櫻花巷)
There are lots of cherry blossom viewing spots dotted around Taiwan, and taking a walk to enjoy the pretty pink petals is something that many locals like to indulge in at least once a year. This sakura spot in Yangmingshan National Park is an easy and convenient location to enjoy the pink petals.
HSINCHU COASTAL CYCLE PATH
Stretching along Hsinchu's coastline you can find an expanse of easy cycle path to enjoy. The path takes you past mud flats and wind turbines, farms and war relics, and is easily accessible from the city.
ZUOMI TRAIL & NANSHAN SACRED TREES (佐米縱走/南山神木)
This strenuous and beautiful walk in Yilan's Datong District visits some of the giant trees found within Cilan Major Wildlife Habitat.
DAPO POND (大坡池)
This loop trail in Taitung's Chishang Township is characterized by beautiful lake views, mountainous landscapes, unique sculptures and abundant birdlife.
WUHU HILL SUNRISE WALK (五虎山日出)
This peak on Kinmen's northeastern edge is a prime sunrise-viewing spot.
KINMEN BIG GORILLA (金門大猩猩)
If you're tired of visiting the usual tourist sights, why not seek out something a little... stranger? Like this gorilla's head in an abandoned military site.
STEGOSAURUS RIDGE (劍龍稜)
Stegosaurus Ridge has to be one of the most superlative day hikes that you can do in northern Taiwan. It offers spectacular views of grassy slopes and dramatic rocky ridges set against bright blue coastal waters, and is very much a full-body workout kind of hike.
GUANDAO MOUNTAIN (關刀山)
Guandao Mountain is located in Miaoli's Dahu Township and is number 36 of Taiwan's 100 Minor Peaks. The walk is exceptionally pleasant and offers hikers a shady forest trail with occasional views and the chance to sample the region's famous ginger tea.
QINZI PEAK TRAIL (親子峰步道)
This easy walk in Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area takes you through some lovely forest scenery, and the location is perfect for indulging in a spot of bird or wildlife watching.
