FANTASTIC FOREST HIKES IN TAIWAN

You’ve no doubt heard of forest bathing, the act of immersing oneself in the lush greenery of forests as a form of nature therapy for the body and soul. Proponents say that the negatively ions found in heavily wooded environments can interact with our own biochemistry, triggering an increase in serotonin (the ‘happy hormone’), lowering blood pressure, and boosting energy levels. If you feel you’re in need of some forest bathing, these tree-filled hiking trails will give you plenty of time to be at one with nature.

TAIWAN BEECH NATIONAL TRAIL (台灣山毛櫸國家步道)

Tucked snuggly into the innermost reaches of Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, Taiwan Beech National Trail is a pretty forested walk which takes hikers through an ancient stand of beech trees that is thought to date back to the last Ice Age.

LALASHAN SACRED TREE TRAIL (拉拉山神木群歩道)

Lalashan — R’ra in the local Tayal language — is one of 19 such designated national forest recreation areas in Taiwan. It occupies an area of land that sits 1,500 to 2,130 metres above sea level in Taoyuan’s Fuxing District up a winding road dotted with Tayal villages. The forest is home to many ancient trees, some of them centuries old, and a pleasantly shady trail takes hikers on a meandering loop to greet these sacred giants.

SHUISHAN GIANT TREE TRAIL (水山神木步道)

The Shuishan Giant Tree Trail is an easy walk in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area that is suitable for hikers of all levels of experience. The trail takes you through old forests and along old railway tracks.

DONGYANSHAN FOREST TRAIL (東眼山森林知性步道)

The Dongyanshan Forest Trail is a gentle walk that is easy enough to be suitable for families. Along the way you can learn about some of the historical techniques employed in the logging industry.

TEFUYE HISTORIC TRAIL (特富野古道)

Tefuye Historic Trail has been reinvented several times over the years. It started off as a hunting and trading route for the Tsou aboriginals who live in the region. Later, the Japanese turned it into a logging railway, and now it has a third life as a much-loved hiking trail.

MUMA HISTORIC TRAIL (木馬古道)

Muma Historic Trail is one of several hiking trails located within the bounds of Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area. Being neither the longest, nor the shortest, not the easiest, nor the toughest walk in the park it presents a pleasant, middle-of-the-pack hike for anyone hoping to explore the area.

SANXING MOUNTAIN (三星山)

The Mount Sanxing Trail is a steep and pretty walk through varied forest landscapes to the highest summit within the boundaries of Taiping National Forest Recreation Area.

CINSBU GIANT TREE GROVE (鎮西堡巨木B區)

Deep in the mountains of Hsinchu, there are several groves of giant trees. This one offers a rewarding day’s foray into Taiwan’s mountainous forests and is the perfect destination for an overnight weekend getaway from Taipei.

DONGMAN TRAIL (東滿步道)

Dongman Trail is a unique experience among Taiwan hiking trails in that it connects two of Taiwan’s forest recreation areas: Dongyanshan and Manyueyuan. At around 16-17km, it is a relatively long day-hike, but walkers who venture onto this route are treated to picturesque and peaceful forest scenery.

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.

MOUNT JINGANSHU (金柑樹山)

A perfect Nantou day hike with tea plantations, mist-filled bamboo forests, and the dramatic earthquake-caused landscape of Wangyou Forest Lake.

FENQIHU CEDAR BOARDWALK TRAIL (奮起湖杉林步道)

This short and pretty loop in the hills near Fenqihu will get you away from the crowds of the historic railway town and onto quiet and beautiful forest trails.

FENQI TRAIL (奮起步道)

This short and well-kept walk skirts around the historic town of Fenqihu in Chiayi’s Zhuqi Township. Along the way, you can enjoy majestic bamboo forests and hear the melodic sounds of so much bird life.

ZUOMI TRAIL & NANSHAN SACRED TREES (佐米縱走/南山神木)

Taiwan hikes This strenuous and beautiful walk in Yilan’s Datong District visits some of the giant trees found within Cilan Major Wildlife Habitat.

QINZI PEAK TRAIL (親子峰步道)

This easy walk in Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area takes you through some lovely forest scenery, and the location is perfect for indulging in a spot of bird or wildlife watching.

MOUNT WUSHIKENG & MOUNT CHUANXING LOOP (烏石坑山/船型山O型)

This looped route takes you deep into the forests of Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area. Tread quietly, and you might even be rewarded with a sighting of a Formosan serow.

MOUNT DONGYAN (東眼山)

This beautiful trail in Taoyuan’s Fuxing District takes you up to the summit of Mount Dongyan via some incredibly pretty forest footpaths.

MOUNT NAJIE (那結山)

The trail to Mount Najie offers some fun scrambling up through the tall forests of Taoyuan’s Fuxing District. If you’re looking for somewhere to escape the crowds, then this is the peak for you.

MOUNT DULAN (都蘭山)

For travellers to Taitung, climbing Mount Dulan – or Dugus A Du Lan in the language of the local Amis people – would make a wonderful day trip. The 1,190m peak sits close to the coast in Donghe Township, and on clear days visitors can enjoy views both of the Pacific Ocean, and the East Rift Valley.

TAIWAN HEMLOCK TRAIL (鐵杉林自然步道)

Taipingshan’s Hemlock Trail is an enchanted forest wonderland. If you’re planning your trip to the area, then make sure to include this spectacular route on your itinerary.