This beautiful trail in the hills of Chiayi's Fanlu Township has been voted one of the top 100 trails in Taiwan and it's not hard to see why. Wisps of mist weave through bamboo and a sea of clouds laps at tea-covered slopes — it is a quintessentially Taiwan trail.
SPECIAL HIKES
SONGLUO NATIONAL TRAIL (松蘿國家步道)
Songluo Trail is a very scenic waterside hike in Yilan's Datong District. Formerly a Tayal hunting route, it has now been fashioned into a family-friendly trail that is perfect for keeping the summer heat at bay.
MOUNTAINS to SEA GREENWAY DAY 8 (山海圳國家級綠道D8)
Day eight on the MSTW was when things start to get really, properly scenic. This day completes the last couple of sections of the Tribal Trail as the route makes its way ever onwards towards the high mountains. The highlight of this day's walking is the charming and forested Tefuye Historic Trail.
DAJIAN MOUNTAIN NIGHT HIKE (大尖山夜爬)
This short hike in New Taipei’s Xizhi District combines a Xiao Bai Yue with pretty night views. It’s small, too, so it’s a perfect post-dinner or pre-supper walk for anyone planning to grab some grub at Xizhi’s Tourist Night Market.
99 PEAKS FOREST TRAIL (九九峰森林步道)
The Ninety-Nine Peak Trail in Nantou is a short hike that can be completed within a couple of hours. It has been voted as one of the six best trails in Nantou and takes hikers through some geographically interesting terrain.
MOUNTAINS to SEA GREENWAY DAY 7 (山海圳國家級綠道D7)
Day seven on the MSTW follows County Highway 169 from the remote village of Lijia to the marginally less remote village of Dabang. Along the way, there are lots of tea fields and Dabang itself makes a perfect place to take a rest day to recover and enjoy the slower pace of life.
MOUNT HONGDAN (紅淡山)
This trail makes for a serviceable half-day trip from Taipei with interesting temples, one of Taiwan’s 100 Minor Peaks, views, and the promise of dinner from one of Keelung’s many eateries.
ZHUKENG STREAM TRAIL (竹坑溪步道)
This pleasant walk in Chiayi County takes in several waterfals, including one which cascades dramatically over a rock face.
MOUNTAINS to SEA GREENWAY DAY 6 (山海圳國家級綠道D6)
Day six on the MSTW was a long day which mixed road walking with old indigenous trading routes. Highlights along the way are the slice of paradise that is Danaiku Nature Ecological Park, and the many rope bridges of Limei Refuge Trail.
LIGHTHOUSES, BAIMIWENG FORT and XIANDONG ZUISHENG CAVE TEMPLE (基隆走走：基隆燈塔/球子山燈塔/白米甕砲臺/仙洞巖最勝寺)
This trail in Keelung's Zhongshan District isn't the prettiest walk I've ever done, but it certainly packs in a lot of interesting spots into its short length. There are two lighthouses, port views, a fort, and a subterranean temple.
ZHONGLOU HISTORIC TRAIL (鐘樓古道)
This short wander through bamboo forest offers a pleasant way to stretch your legs as part of a visit to the small town of Xindian in Miaoli's Shitan Township.
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.
MOUNTAINS to SEA GREENWAY DAY 5 (山海圳國家級綠道D5)
Day five on the MSTW was a short day, but it marks a distinct change as the scenery segues from the flatter and more engineered landscape of the Canal Trail section to the wilder and steeper surroundings of the Tribal Trail section.
BAT HILL (蝙蝠山)
The hike to Bat Hill Lookout from Shuangxi is a short and (mostly) easy walk that can be combined with an exploration of this historic riverside town in New Taipei.
DEVIL’S CAVE and STONE BAMBOO SHOOT PEAK (魔神仔洞/石筍尖)
This odd little loop in New Taipei's Pingxi District is a thrilling mix of climbing, views, and old mining remains.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 