Normally trails draw me because they offer some specific feature or summit. Maybe a waterfall, a unique temple, or a view that stretches for miles and miles. This walk does indeed have many peaks, some temples, a waterfall, and some views, but the real attraction of this trail is the double heart-shaped route it traces on the map.
NEIHU DISTRICT
BIHU TRAIL (碧湖步道)
This really easy walk in Neihu is suitable for pretty much anyone who can climb a few steps. In the summer remember to bring a towel so you can have a paddle in the stream that runs through Dagouxi Park.
CARP HILL (鯉魚山)
Carp Hill may not be the highest peak in Neihu District, nor does it have the prettiest scenery or most exciting walk. However it’s a good all-rounder and it can lay claim to being the route that I have walked the most. This is my go-to walk for when I’ve just got a couple of hours free and need to stretch my legs. It’s a great little workout, and it also has plenty to make it interesting time after time. There’s a lookout spot with views over Taipei, Neihu’s oldest Buddhist temple, a waterfall and a curious series of hand-crafted miniature landmarks.
BIHU PARK AMBLE (碧湖公園)
A very short and simple stroll around a pretty lake. This walk should be an easy one to do if the weather isn’t being cooperative, or if you want to bring the kids.
DRAGON BOAT ROCK and YUANJUE WATERFALL (龍船岩/園覺山/園覺瀑布O型)
This is my newest favourite walk in Neihu. It has a stream, roped sections to tire me out, wonderful views from Dragon Boat Rock, the oldest house in Neihu District, cute little Tudi Gong Temples and a waterfall.
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.
KANGLE SHAN TRAIL (康樂山步道)
A short, unpolished trail in Neihu District. This walk has a couple of views and leads back through some allotments.
TAIPEI GRAND HIKE – FENG GUI ZUI TO DAGOUXI RIVERSIDE PARK (北區稜線大縱走 – 風櫃嘴/大溝溪生態治水園)
The fourth installment of the Taipei Grand Hike takes you to some beautiful and quiet corners of Yangmingshan National Park, as well as some of the more popular scenic spots in Neihu. The best thing about this portion is that it has an abundance of water, from the natural and charming stream running alongside Shuangxigou Old Trail, to the manmade Sweet Water Lake, and the easily accessible Yuanjue waterfall.
EGRET HILL (白鷺鷥山)
Egret Hill is probably not on most people's radar, but if you're looking for a place for a family stroll, a lazy day walk then it's definitely worth considering. As well as offering a short and straightforward walk through some pretty trees, the path leads you back to the MRT station via the beautiful Dahu Park.
DRAGON BOAT ROCK AND MOUNT KAIYAN TRAIL (開眼山/白石湖山/大邱田山/龍船岩O型路線)
A slightly scrappy scramble across several of Neihu’s peaks. This walk has the added bonus of passing some cute little land god shrines and a scenic spot popular with social media fans.