FAMILY FRIENDLY HIKES IN TAIWAN

Let me caveat this page by saying that I am not a parent, so please check the details of the walls listed to make sure that it is doable for you. Generally speaking, Taiwan doesn’t have many flat trails, so walking with a pushchair is rarely an option. However, some more kid-friendly walks in Taiwan are easy enough to do with a willing toddler or with a baby in a backpack. The trails below are flatter than average and are either short, or can be modified to make them shorter. Also included here are walks with features like fireflies, monkeys or water that might appeal to children.

MANYUEYUAN WATERFALLS (滿月圓國家森林遊樂區)

One of two National Forest Recreation areas within the Greater Taipei area, Manyueyuan and its waterfalls is a popular spot for city folk seeking respite from Taipei’s hot summers. The park has abundant greenery, two or three waterfalls, and a handful of easy trails to explore.

SMANGUS LOOKOUT and KORAW ECOLOGICAL PARK (司馬庫斯觀景臺/KORAW生態公園)

This gentle trail climbs up to a viewing platform overlooking Smangus, a secluded mountain retreat once considered Taiwan’s most remote settlement. While many visitors come to admire the village’s cherry blossom or its grove of giant trees, this forest trail at the other end of the village offers a quieter escape for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

LIYU LAKE (鯉魚潭)

Liyu Lake (aka Carp Lake) is situated a short drive southwest of Hualien City. As the county’s largest lake, it has been spruced up with a round-lake trail to attract hikers and bikers. The lake can be visited by private car or public transport and is a relaxing outdoor excursion that’s suitable for the whole family.

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE (好望角)

This short almost coastal walk in Miaoli’s Houlong Township has Instagram-famous views, towering turbines, and a converted railway tunnel to keep you entertained. At just under 3km, it’s also a great little way to stretch your legs and/or catch the sunset if you’re passing through on a long drive between the north and the south.

MOUNT DULI (獨立山)

Mount Duli National Trail takes hikers up from Zhangnaoliao Station to Dulishan Station, crossing paths with Alishan Forestry Railway at several points, with a possible detour to a huge hikers’ kitchen in a temple.

LOVERS’ LAKE ROUND-MOUNTAIN TRAIL (情人湖環山步道)

Lovers’ Lake is a natural lake in the hills to the north of Keelung. It is encircled by two trails—a shorter and easier one that sticks close to the lakeshore called the Round Lake Trail, and a longer one that takes in more ocean views called the Round Mountain Trail. This post covers the second of those two options.

XIAOXUESHAN HEAVENLY POND TRAIL (小雪山天池)

Xiaoxueshan’s Heavenly Pond is a beautiful alpine pool sitting at an elevation of over 2,000 metres within Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area. It’s accessible via a very easy, mostly flat trail from Xiaoxueshan Visitor Information Station.

YAKOU LOOKOUT TRAIL (埡口觀景台步道)

If you’re heading to Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area and want to do a walk with views, this short hike to a panoramic lookout platform is undoubtedly the walk for you.

CHASHAN FIRE and WATER SPRING (茶山水火同源)

Deep in the lush green hills of Chiayi’s Alishan Township, this short trail on the edge of Chashan Village hides a bizarre natural phenomenon. Here, gas and water bubble up through the earth’s surface at the same spot, giving rise to a perpetual flame surrounded by a spring.

GUOXING INTERCHANGE VIEWING AREA (國姓橋聳雲天觀賞點)

Freeway Number 6’s Guoxing Interchange in Nantou’s Guoxing Township has previously won the top spot in a nationwide contest to find the most impressive motorway scenes. Visitors who wish to see this winning scenery for themselves can enjoy a short stroll beneath the towering roads.

NEIDONG WATERFALL TRAIL (內洞瀑布)

Neidong Forest Recreation Area’s Waterfall Trail is a gentle, barrier-free trail that winds its way along the Nanshi River to a bridge with beautiful waterfall views.

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.

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