This is the hike that made me fall in love with the trails and landscape of Taiwan. The first time I walked it was before I lived here, and the impression it made ran deep. This trail pretty much has it all: enthralling mountain views, exhilarating ridge walking, invigorating climbs and, (if you’re feeling bold enough), the opportunity to experience that famous Taiwanese friendliness by trying your hand at hitchhiking rather than walking back along the road.
INSTA FAMOUS HIKES
JINMIAN SHAN – a longer route (金面山)
A great trail taking in one of Taipei's most Instagrammable spots. This walk can be done in a morning or afternoon and is easy to get to from the MRT.
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.)
QINGTIANGANG CIRCULAR TRAIL (擎天崗環形步道)
A gentle and incredibly scenic circular route around the famous, cow-grazed grasslands of Qingtiangang in Yangmingshan National Park. This trail is accessible by public transport and should be ok for anyone who can handle some steps and an uneven walking surface. Make sure to come on a clear day, (when you can see Qixing Mountain peak from the city), in order to enjoy the views at their best.
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.
CAOLING HISTORIC TRAIL (草嶺古道)
This historic and very accessible trail will take you over the hills from Dali to Fulong next to an inviting river stream. Better yet, you can look forward to a refreshing swim once you've reached your destination.
YINHE CAVE and WATERFALL to MAOKONG via EJIAOGE (銀河洞瀑布 / 鵝角格山 / 貓空)
A charming and easily accessible walk which takes in a temple behind a waterfall and panoramic views from Taipei's Maokong gondola. With a couple of route options, this walk is suitable for confident beginners and anyone with more experience.
GAO TAI SHAN AND XIAO-ZHONG-DA DAO TIAN SHAN (高台山 / 小中大島田山)
You'll enjoy your food (and your bed) very much after this tough climb.
JIALI MOUNTAIN (加里山)
Expect beautiful scenery and splendid forest as you climb up to the summit of Miaoli's Jiali Mountain.
ST. MARIAN’S HIKING TRAIL (聖母山步道)
St. Marian's Hiking Trail, also known more recently as Matcha Mountain is a well known trail in Yilan's Jiaoxi District. It's a big climb with views that are guaranteed to make you glad you made the effort.
TEAPOT MOUNTAIN (茶壺山)
Teapot Mountain is an easy climb among stunning coastal mountain scenery.