YILAN COUNTY HIKING TRAILS

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See all hikes in Yilan County. Walks listed with the most recent at the top.

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.

TAIPINGSHAN CYPRESS TRAIL (檜木原始林步道)

Located high up in the mountainous forests in the South of Yilan County, Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area is home to spectacular old forests. The Cypress Trail offers a very easy introduction to this special landscape.

CUEIFENG LAKE CIRCULAR TRAIL (翠峰湖環山步道)

Cueifeng Lake was Taiwan’s first ever officially designated silent trail. The thick carpet of lush mosses and frequent cloud cover mean that the area exists in a perpetual hush – it’s the perfect antidote to city life.

TURTLE ISLAND (龜山島)

Visiting Turtle Island makes for a great day trip in northern Taiwan. This post will tell you a little about the fascinating history of the island, as well as find out what to expect when you visit, and how to get there.

TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: PINGXI TOU to WAI’AO (淡蘭古道中路：坪溪頭/外澳)

If you know anyone who isn’t yet sold on the natural and cultural delights of Taiwan, then take them by the hand and lead them to the start of this trail for a condensed highlights-reel version of everything that makes me love this charming island. This portion of the middle Tamsui-Kavalan Trails follows the footsteps of the tea-traders of yesteryear over clear streams and vibrant forests to a mountain top and the coast beyond. Along the way you’ll meet the many gods who they trusted to keep them safe on their travels, and if you’re not utterly smitten with Taiwan…

TAOYUAN VALLEY TRAIL (桃源谷步道)

The Taoyuan Valley Trail is one of those that’s right up there in all of the listicles outlining the ‘top 10 hikes in northern Taiwan’, and whilst that means you’re unlikely to find solitude in the hills here, the popularity is for good reason. For those who prefer to follow well-marked routes and not stray too far from the beaten path, then the views offered by this trail are hard to best.

CAOLING HISTORIC TRAIL (草嶺古道)

This historic and very accessible trail will take you over the hills from Dali to Fulong next to an inviting river stream. Better yet, you can look forward to a refreshing swim once you've reached your destination.

ST. MARIAN’S HIKING TRAIL (聖母山步道)

St. Marian’s Hiking Trail, also known more recently as Matcha Mountain is a well known trail in Yilan’s Jiaoxi District. It’s a big climb with views that are guaranteed to make you glad you made the effort.