Shuangliu Waterfall Trail is one of several trails inside Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area. It's testament to the prettiness of the park that we had a great time despite never even making it as far as the waterfall itself. The trail is gentle, easy and has a couple of stepping stone trails that are great fun.
NATIONAL PARKS
MOUNT DONGYAN (東眼山)
This beautiful trail in Taoyuan's Fuxing District takes you up to the summit of Mount Dongyan via some incredibly pretty forest footpaths.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 6B
This section of the Taipei Skyline Trail offers grand views over Yangmingshan Park's western hills, as it takes walkers over the steep (and often) muddy peaks of the Mount Datun range.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 6A
Most of the Taipei Skyline Trail's sixth instalment covers trails within Taipei National Park. This first half takes you along the same route as the Taipei Grand Hike, and also happens to be one of the prettiest easily-accessed walks in the park.
MOUNT MAWUBUA (馬武霸山)
Mount Mawuba sits just inside the borders of Shei-pa National Park, deep inside Taichung's mountainous Heping District. It's a breathtakingly beautiful walk, and best of all, it doesn't require any permits.
TAIWAN HEMLOCK TRAIL (鐵杉林自然步道)
Taipingshan's Hemlock Trail is an enchanted forest wonderland. If you're planning your trip to the area, then make sure to include this spectacular route on your itinerary.
MAOSING MAIN TRAIL (茂興步道主線)
Of the two trails accessible from Taipingshan's iconic bong bong train, Maosing Main Trail is both the longer and flatter option. It follows the course of the old tracks for a gentle 1km wander through grand forest scenery.
MAOSING LOOP TRAIL (茂興懷舊步道環線)
Riding the bright yellow bong bong train is one of Taipingshan's most memorable experiences. The twenty minute journey takes you to Maosing Station where you have the choice of two short trails to explore.
JANCING HISTORIC TRAIL (見晴懷古步道)
Taipingshan's Jancing Historic Trail is probably one of the most instantly recognisable trails that Taiwan has to offer, and for good reason. This easy stroll has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike for its mixture of stunning natural scenery and historical significance.
TAIPINGSHAN CYPRESS TRAIL (檜木原始林步道)
Located high up in the mountainous forests in the South of Yilan County, Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is home to spectacular old forests. The Cypress Trail offers a very easy introduction to this special landscape.
CUEIFENG LAKE CIRCULAR TRAIL (翠峰湖環山步道)
Cueifeng Lake was Taiwan's first ever officially designated silent trail. The thick carpet of lush mosses and frequent cloud cover mean that the area exists in a perpetual hush - it's the perfect antidote to city life.
QIXING SHAN NIGHT HIKE (七星山夜爬)
Qixing Shan attracts walkers year-round for its expansive views, bamboo-lined paths and volcanic geology. As Taipei's highest mountain, it is a must-climb for the city's population of avid hikers, but how many of them can say they have climbed it in the dark?
FAIRY SHRIMP at XIANGTIAN POOL (向天池的仙女蝦)
Xiangtian Pool is an ephemeral body of water in an old volcanic crater on the northwestern edge of Yangmingshan National Park. It can be seen after periods of heavy rain, and only then for a brief time. As if this didn't make the pool intriguing enough, it is also home to a population of fairy shrimp which spawn in great numbers when the conditions are just right.
A WANDER IN KENTING NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION AREA (墾丁國家森林旅樂區)
Whether your interest lies in rocks, plants, creatures or culture, Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is well worth a visit. Amongst the towering limestone cliffs and subterranean caves you can spot a whole host of cute critters and an impressive array of tropical plant life.
FUSHIPING HISTORIC TRAIL (富士平古道)
Fushiping Historic Trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore the quieter side of Yangmingshan National Park.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 