MODERATE HIKES IN HSINCHU COUNTY

Walks listed with the most recent at the top. There might be some overlap between moderate and challenging hikes.

SMANGUS GIANT TREES (司馬庫斯巨木步道)

This trail in Hsinchu’s hilly Jianshi District has been voted one of the best trails in Taiwan by users of the popular Hiking Biji app, and for good reason. This moderately easy trail combines beautiful forest scenery with giant trees, abundant nature, and an aboriginal mountain village.

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.

RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 2 (樟之細路D2)

Day two on the Raknus Selu Trail is the first time that the route takes you off the roads and gets you walking on some of the old trails that crisscross the area’s hills.

FIVE FINGER MOUNTAIN (五指山五峰連走O型)

Five Finger Mountain (or Mount Wuzhi), is so named because of the five prominent peaks that protrude along the ridge line. Instantly recognisable from afar, the conjoined summits do indeed (loosely) resemble a waving hand, and the trail connecting them make for a very enjoyable day’s walking.

BEIDELAMAN GIANT TREES (北得拉曼巨木步道)

Although most of Taiwan’s giant trees are found in remote forests with permit-restricted access, there are some just a short drive out of Taipei which can be seen by anyone willing to make the climb. (And who wouldn’t be willing to put in a bit of effort to visit these venerable old spirits.)

MAI BA LAI SHAN (麥巴來山)

When we signed in at the trailhead, the person manning the register said “the mountain is yours today, there’s no one else.” He wasn’t wrong. Mai Ba Lai is never going to lure the crowds in search of Instagrammable views, but it offers another kind of draw: quietness and seemingly endless forest.

SHINIU SHAN (石牛山)

This unexpectedly enjoyable loop just south of Shimen reservoir combines a fun upwards scramble with attractive views from the peak and a much gentler route down.

ZHI SHENG MAO TAI SHAN (芝生毛台山)

This very wild feeling trail leads you up a steep forested ridge through huge bamboo groves, into the domain of wild boars and barking deer, past hunting shelters and the traces of Taiwan’s period of Japanese occupation.

See all hikes in Hsinchu