A short, simple, there-and-back type of trail which takes you to two reasonably tall waterfalls. Bring the bug spray and a small picnic to enjoy a comfortable afternoon listening to the soothing sounds of water and paddling in the pools under the falls.
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FIREFLY SPOTTING IN TAIPEI ON TIGER MOUNTAIN (虎山的螢火蟲)
You don't need to travel to the remote mountains of central Taiwan to experience the magic of seeing fireflies lighting up the evening forest. Hushan has a trail within walking distance of the MRT which is adapted for firefly viewing in peak season. If you visit Taiwan in April or May, you should definitely set aside an evening to step into this enchanting realm of fireflies, night birds and noisy frogs.
GUI SHAN MOUNTAINTOP LOOP (龜山山頂小O型縱走)
A leisurely loop walk which starts out from a very 'Taiwan-feeling' village community. You'll pass university buildings, small ponds and a temple as well as meander through allotments and a graveyard. On clear days, there are views of layered hills out towards Sanxia and beyond from the easternmost point of the walk.
XIAOGUANYIN SHAN LOOP WALK (小觀音山O型縱走)
A moderately difficult and very fun loop hike with absolutely stunning views over Yangmingshan Park's bamboo cloaked northern hills. This is one of my favourite walks in this area and a must for anyone seeking to get away from the crowds at Qixing peak.
YINGGE ROCK TRAIL (鶯歌石登山步道)
A short and sweet loop out of Yingge's ceramics neighbourhood. Sights on this walk include views over Sanxia, shrines in naturally hollowed out caves and a close-up view of the eponymous Yingge Rock, (a large bird-shaped stone which was said to have emitted toxic vapours until it was cannoned by Koxinga'a army).
SHINIU SHAN (石牛山)
This unexpectedly enjoyable loop just south of Shimen reservoir combines a fun upwards scramble with attractive views from the peak and a much gentler route down.
FUMAO OLD TRAIL TO LONGLONG SHAN AND FULONG SHAN (福卯古道/隆隆山/福隆山)
An east coast walk on the wild side - Fumao old trail to Fulong shan follows the contours of the headland through high grass and scrubby forest all the while delivering outstanding coastal scenery and pleasantly challenging terrain.
SKIRTING THE ELEPHANT – NANGANG TRAIL / 95 PEAK / MUZHI SHAN / TIAOMI OLD TRAIL (南港步道 / 九五峰 / 拇指山 / 糶米古道)
A northeast to southwest route over the Nangang mountain range. This walk takes in many temples and some wonderful views of the city.
ZHI SHENG MAO TAI SHAN (芝生毛台山)
This very wild feeling trail leads you up a steep forested ridge through huge bamboo groves, into the domain of wild boars and barking deer, past hunting shelters and the traces of Taiwan's period of Japanese occupation.
JUANSI WATERFALL TRAIL to LENGSHUIKENG (絹絲瀑布/冷水坑)
A gentle and relaxing stroll beside a stream with plenty to enjoy. This walk will take you past a couple of historical remains, a charming waterfall, around a couple of interesting ponds, over Jingshan suspension bridge and finishes at Lengshuikeng Visitor Centre.
SANDIAOLING WATERFALL TRAIL (三貂嶺瀑布步)
This trail is one of the most popular day hikes in northern Taiwan, and for good reason. You'll enjoy waterfalls, a shaded walk by a stream and a dash of adventure...and all easily accessible using public transport.
YUANZUI SHAN to SHAOLAI SHAN (鳶嘴稍來山步道)
An exhilarating and energising trip up to some stupendous scenery. This walk takes in two peaks over 2000m, with stunning views from exposed ridges as well as the hushed calm of old forests.
BATTLESHIP ROCK TO XIN BEITOU (軍艦岩往新北投)
You can combine a visit to this photogenic rock outcrop with a not-too-difficult walk to a rather pretty Japanese shrine and end up right next to Beitou's famous sulphur valley.
FENG QI SUNSET TRAIL (鳳崎落日步道)
An easy and leisurely afternoon walk taking in military relics. Bring your significant other and aim to finish the walk around sundown so that you can watch the sunset together as you gaze out over the Taiwan Strait.
DRAGON TRAIL TO MAOKONG GONDOLA VIA ZHANGSHAN TEMPLE (飛龍步道/政大後山登山步道/樟山寺/貓空站)
A not-too-difficult loop walk where the downwards part of the loop can be done on the Maokong gondola. The highlight of this walk for me was the free tea I enjoyed at Zhangshan Temple.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 