Lalashan — R'ra in the local Tayal language — is one of 19 such designated national forest recreation areas in Taiwan. It occupies an area of land that sits 1,500 to 2,130 metres above sea level in Taoyuan's Fuxing District up a winding road dotted with Tayal villages. The forest is home to many ancient trees, some of them centuries old, and a pleasantly shady trail takes hikers on a meandering loop to greet these sacred giants.
giant trees
SMANGUS GIANT TREES (司馬庫斯巨木步道)
This trail in Hsinchu's hilly Jianshi District has been voted one of the best trails in Taiwan by users of the popular Hiking Biji app, and for good reason. This moderately easy trail combines beautiful forest scenery with giant trees, abundant nature, and an aboriginal mountain village.
XUESHAN SACRED TREE TRAIL (雪山神木)
Xueshan sacred tree is a giant tree is a century-old giant Formosan cypress that sits deep within Daxueshan National Park. It stands in a small clearing, accessible via a 1.5-kilometre stroll down an old track, and — thanks to the fact that there used to be a carpark down here — you can stand back and take in the whole tree.
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.
ALISHAN GIANT TREE BOARDWALK TRAILS (阿里山巨木群棧道)
If you're planning a trip to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area and only have time to do one walk, make sure it is this one.
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.
ALISHAN SISTERS PONDS LOOP (阿里山：姐妹池O型)
Alishan has been a popular destination with tourists for decades, the lure of the mountain air and beautiful forest scenery drawing in the crowds. These days visitors still flock to the park to enjoy the forest, the sunrise and the picturesque little red trains that ply the narrow-gauge tracks through the trees. This trail will take you on a short and easy wander around some of the sights.
BEIDELAMAN GIANT TREES (北得拉曼巨木步道)
Although most of Taiwan’s giant trees are found in remote forests with permit-restricted access, there are some just a short drive out of Taipei which can be seen by anyone willing to make the climb. (And who wouldn’t be willing to put in a bit of effort to visit these venerable old spirits.)