An easy walk in Taoyuan's mountainous Fuxing District that packs a lot into its short length. There's a bat cave, a waterfall, and a unique temple built around a mountain spring—more than enough to make it worth a trip.
SPECIAL HIKES
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.
NANPING HISTORIC TRAIL and MATAI HISTORIC TRAIL (南坪古道/馬胎古道)
This gentle and pleasant trail looping from Neiwan Old Street takes you up to the small tribal village of Matai via historic footpaths and past pretty fern-laced streams.
SAKUL WATERFALL TRAIL (撒固兒瀑布)
This short and pretty waterfall trail on the outskirts of Hualien offers a quick and easy getaway from the heat of the city.
ZHAOYANG NATIONAL TRAIL (朝陽國家步道)
This coastal trail in southern Yilan's Nan'ao Township offers pretty views of the vivid blue ocean, and the town of Nan'ao itself is also worthy of a brief wander.
SNAKE HILL and DONGYUE COLD SPRINGS (蛇山/東岳冷泉)
A short walk on Taiwan's eastern coast that includes a brief stroll up a hill and a paddle in a cold spring pool.
SHUANGXIGOU HISTORIC TRAIL (雙溪溝古道)
This short walk on the southeastern edge of Yangmingshan National Park is perfect for when you want something short, easy, and relaxing. The shady and often streamside loop also includes a stop at a coffee shop.
MOUNT WANREN and SIXTY STONE MOUNTAIN (萬人山/六十石山)
Mount Wanren is an easy Xiao Bai Yue in the south of Hualien County. Although the climb to the summit is short, if you time your trip right, you can combine it with a visit to the spectacular daylily fields on the nearby slopes of Sixty Stone Mountain.
MOUNT DATONG and QINGLONG RIDGE NIGHT HIKE (大同山&青龍嶺夜爬)
City views and wildlife can both be enjoyed on this night hike in New Taipei’s Shulin District.
PINGLIN CUKENGKOU TRAIL and XIAKENGZIKOU STREAM (坪林粗坑口步道/下坑子口溪親水遊憩區)
A short and easy walk along a river close to Pinglin Street. This walk is great for summer days when you want gentle excursions with an option to dip your feet in the water.
TAOLIN BIKEWAY (桃林鐵路自行車道)
This gentle ride in Taoyuan has been deftly stitched together from the remains of the old Taolin coal railway. The scenery cannot be described as breathtaking, but it’s a fun way to explore part of Taoyuan that’s well off the tourist trail.
HEPING ISLAND PARK (和平島公園)
Heping Island Park is a small pocket of land on an island that shelters the mouth of Keelung Harbour. People come here to walk the short coastal trail year-round, and in the summer, you'll find the ocean-fed pools full of swimmers.
ALABAO BAY GUIDED WALK (阿拉寶灣)
Only open for several months every year, Alabao Bay is a short stretch of coastline accessible from within Keelung's Heping Island Park. The coastal trail offers interesting rock formations, views of Keelung Islet, and traces left behind by several waves of inhabitants.
MATCHA MOUNTAIN and MOUNT SANJIAOLUN (抹茶山/三角崙山)
You won’t find Matcha Mountain on any official maps, but that hasn’t stopped this spot becoming one of the hottest places for tourists to visit in Taiwan. An easy (if long) trail takes hikers up through pleasant forest to a summit with spectacular views of hills cloaked in shimmering grasses. Once you’ve made it to the top, it’s easy to see the appeal.
LUJIAOKENG ECOLOGICAL PROTECTED AREA and FENGLIN WATERFALL TRAIL (鹿角坑生態保護區/楓林瀑布)
Tucked into the northern folds of Yangmingshan National Park, Lujiaokeng Ecological Protection Area and Fenglin Waterfall can only be accessed by those who have applied for a permit. Don't let that put you off though, this pretty trail involves lots of stream crossings and the remoteness means you're all but guaranteed a quiet walk.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 