This wonderful pocket-sized adventure on Taiwan's northern coast is almost a perfect half-day hike.
discover taiwan
NEIHU TWIN HEARTS TRAIL (內湖雙心縱走)
Normally trails draw me because they offer some specific feature or summit. Maybe a waterfall, a unique temple, or a view that stretches for miles and miles. This walk does indeed have many peaks, some temples, a waterfall, and some views, but the real attraction of this trail is the double heart-shaped route it traces on the map.
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.
LONGYIN WATERFALL and SUSPENSION BRIDGE (龍吟瀑布/龍吟吊橋)
Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area—also known as Butterfly Valley—is a quiet tourist spot in Hualien. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air, take in the impressive river valley, walk the (almost too) exhilarating suspension bridge, and soak in the hot spring's restorative waters.
RAKNUS SELU DAY TRAIL 4 (樟之細路D4)
This easy day on the Raknus Selu Trail covers a fair amount of ground. There are some historic trails, some mountain roads, and two of the trail passport stamps.
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 3 via DU’NAN HISTORIC TRAIL (樟之細路D3A)
This span of the RST crosses the hills between Guanxi with Hengshan. Along the way, you'll pass waterwheels that are still in operation as well as twin temples which sparked a disagreement between neighbouring townships, and plenty of orange farms.
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.
RAKNUS SELU DAY 3 via BAILING PAVILION (樟之細路D3B)
There are two routes connecting Hsinchu's Guanxi and Hengshan Townships. This one follows small roads and agricultural tracks as it cuts through low hills on its way south.
RAKNUS SELU TRAIL DAY 1 (樟之細路D1)
This first day on the Raknus Selu Trail is a looping wander which starts at Sankeng Old Street before heading down to the banks of the river that once made the area prosperous.
RENHE TUNG BLOSSOM TRAIL (仁和步道)
This short trail in Hsinchu is a good place to do a spot of tung blossom viewing. What makes it even more appealing is that the walk starts and finishes at sleepy Hukou Old Street, where you can enjoy a few Hakka dishes and/or a cup of coffee.
SOUTH GUANYIN MOUNTAIN (南觀音山)
This enjoyable loop trail in Taichung will take you to number 42 of Taiwan's list of 100 Minor Peaks. It is well-known in Taiwan's hiking circles for the odd sight of a giant golden hand at the summit.
FIREFLY SPOTTING at YUANJUE WATERFALL (圓覺瀑布螢火蟲)
If you check online for the best places to see fireflies in Taipei, then one of the locations that appears in many of the lists is Dagouxi Waterfront Park. In fact, this is a little misleading since - while the walk does start there - you need to head a little further into the dark to spot any fireflies.
MINGDE RESERVOIR (明德水庫)
This easy wander in Miaoli's Touwu Township takes you on a short loop around part of Mingde Reservoir.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 6A
Most of the Taipei Skyline Trail's sixth instalment covers trails within Taipei National Park. This first half takes you along the same route as the Taipei Grand Hike, and also happens to be one of the prettiest easily-accessed walks in the park.
TAIPEI SKYLINE TRAIL: SECTION 2B
This section of the Taipei Skyline Trail was an unexpected delight. It has the twin charms of both a fun ridge walk and a temple-studded historic trail.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 