Fushan Botanical Garden sits so deep within the hills of Yilan that it's actually in New Taipei's Wulai District.
easy hikes in Taiwan
ERYANPING TEA TRAIL (二延平步道)
This beautiful trail in the hills of Chiayi's Fanlu Township has been voted one of the top 100 trails in Taiwan and it's not hard to see why. Wisps of mist weave through bamboo and a sea of clouds laps at tea-covered slopes — it is a quintessentially Taiwan trail.
SONGLUO NATIONAL TRAIL (松蘿國家步道)
Songluo Trail is a very scenic waterside hike in Yilan's Datong District. Formerly a Tayal hunting route, it has now been fashioned into a family-friendly trail that is perfect for keeping the summer heat at bay.
DAJIAN MOUNTAIN NIGHT HIKE (大尖山夜爬)
This short hike in New Taipei’s Xizhi District combines a Xiao Bai Yue with pretty night views. It’s small, too, so it’s a perfect post-dinner or pre-supper walk for anyone planning to grab some grub at Xizhi’s Tourist Night Market.
99 PEAKS FOREST TRAIL (九九峰森林步道)
The Ninety-Nine Peak Trail in Nantou is a short hike that can be completed within a couple of hours. It has been voted as one of the six best trails in Nantou and takes hikers through some geographically interesting terrain.
MOUNT HONGDAN (紅淡山)
This trail makes for a serviceable half-day trip from Taipei with interesting temples, one of Taiwan’s 100 Minor Peaks, views, and the promise of dinner from one of Keelung’s many eateries.
ZHUKENG STREAM TRAIL (竹坑溪步道)
This pleasant walk in Chiayi County takes in several waterfals, including one which cascades dramatically over a rock face.
LIGHTHOUSES, BAIMIWENG FORT and XIANDONG ZUISHENG CAVE TEMPLE (基隆走走：基隆燈塔/球子山燈塔/白米甕砲臺/仙洞巖最勝寺)
This trail in Keelung's Zhongshan District isn't the prettiest walk I've ever done, but it certainly packs in a lot of interesting spots into its short length. There are two lighthouses, port views, a fort, and a subterranean temple.
ZHONGLOU HISTORIC TRAIL (鐘樓古道)
This short wander through bamboo forest offers a pleasant way to stretch your legs as part of a visit to the small town of Xindian in Miaoli's Shitan Township.
BAT HILL (蝙蝠山)
The hike to Bat Hill Lookout from Shuangxi is a short and (mostly) easy walk that can be combined with an exploration of this historic riverside town in New Taipei.
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.
LOVERS’ LAKE ROUND-MOUNTAIN TRAIL (情人湖環山步道)
Lovers' Lake is a natural lake in the hills to the north of Keelung. It is encircled by two trails—a shorter and easier one that sticks close to the lakeshore called the Round Lake Trail, and a longer one that takes in more ocean views called the Round Mountain Trail. This post covers the second of those two options.
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.
LIJIA ROMANTIC CAVE TRAIL (里佳風流洞步道)
The small village of Lijia—known as Niae’ucna to its 300-odd Tsou inhabitants—sits deep in the hills of Chiayi County. The Romantic Cave Trail takes you on a brief wander past a couple of spots that hold spiritual or cultural significance to the tribesfolk, and as such, it is a great way to simultaneously enjoy nature and learn more about the village.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 