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.

HENGCHUN CITY WALLS (恆春縣城)

The old town of Hengchun is one great alternative to Kenting, and the historic city walls provide visitors with the perfect ‘no plan’ day out. Just lace up your shoes and start walking, letting your interest and stomach divert you as necessary.

TAITUNG FOREST PARK (臺東森林公園)

Hemmed in between the broad expanse of Beinan River and the city of Taitung sits the quiet oasis of Taitung Forest Park. Its leafy lanes and tranquil wetlands make for a great half day retreat.

TAITUNG’S CARP HILL ( 臺東鯉魚山)

Carp Hill is perhaps the most prominent geological feature in Taitung City, and if you’re visiting Taitung then climbing it is a great way to see the city from another angle.

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.

ZHENGHAN TRAIL (鄭漢紀念步道)

Zhenghan Trail is a short and easy trail that would be suitable for almost anyone. The walk climbs to an outlook which has a memorial to a local man and views over Miaoli’s Zhunan District.

FROG ROCK PARK COASTAL TRAIL (青蛙石海洋步道)

Frog Rock Coastal Trail is a short and easy walk just off the main drag of relaxed beach town, Kenting. As well as a tiny coral beach and coastal views, visitors can explore a beautiful replica of a traditional Minnan style village.

JINGUASHI AQUEDUCT TRAIL (山尖路步道)

This short trail linking the two popular tourist villages of Jiufen and Jinguashi takes you past aqueducts that were used during the area’s industrial past. It’s a great way to stretch your legs after sampling the edible delights of Jiufen Old Street.

MIAOLI’S LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN (獅頭山)

Lion’s Head Mountain in Miaoli is just one of many peaks scattered across Taiwan to be named due to its resemblance to the King of the Jungle. What sets this particular lion apart from the others is its enduring role as a site of spiritual significance. Dotting the mountain’s slopes visitors will find a proliferation of temples, some of which have been open to worshippers for over a hundred years.

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.

DASHEHU TRAIL (大舌湖健行步道)

This short and easy trail in New Taipei’s Pinglin District is a good choice for a lazy summer afternoon. It meanders along a river, through rows of tea, and takes you down to a pretty suspension bridge.

ALISHAN SISTERS PONDS LOOP (阿里山:姐妹池O型)

Alishan has been a popular destination with tourists for decades, the lure of the mountain air and beautiful forest scenery drawing in the crowds. These days visitors still flock to the park to enjoy the forest, the sunrise and the picturesque little red trains that ply the narrow-gauge tracks through the trees. This trail will take you on a short and easy wander around some of the sights.

Loading…

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.