Climbing Taoyuan's Mount Xizhou—one of Taiwan's 100 Minor Peaks—is a pleasant half-day adventure on the northern edge of Shimen Reservoir. The shady trail winds up through a series of forest clearings and is a popular exercise spot for local retirees.
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XUESHAN SACRED TREE TRAIL (雪山神木)
Xueshan sacred tree is a giant tree is a century-old giant Formosan cypress that sits deep within Daxueshan National Park. It stands in a small clearing, accessible via a 1.5-kilometre stroll down an old track, and — thanks to the fact that there used to be a carpark down here — you can stand back and take in the whole tree.
JINBAOLI TRAIL (金包里大路)
This historic trail in Yangmingshan National Park is a section of a longer trail of connecting Shilin with Jinshan. This section is a beautiful and gentle walk with different types of scenery to enjoy along the way.
DAKENG TRAILS 10 & 9-1
This easy loop in Taichung's Beitun District takes in two of Dakeng's famous hiking trails.
NEIDONG WATERFALL TRAIL (內洞瀑布)
Neidong Forest Recreation Area's Waterfall Trail is a gentle, barrier-free trail that winds its way along the Nanshi River to a bridge with beautiful waterfall views.
SANMIN BAT CAVE and GUANYIN TEMPLE (三民蝙蝠洞/觀音洞)
An easy walk in Taoyuan's mountainous Fuxing District that packs a lot into its short length. There's a bat cave, a waterfall, and a unique temple built around a mountain spring—more than enough to make it worth a trip.
SAKUL WATERFALL TRAIL (撒固兒瀑布)
This short and pretty waterfall trail on the outskirts of Hualien offers a quick and easy getaway from the heat of the city.
ZHAOYANG NATIONAL TRAIL (朝陽國家步道)
This coastal trail in southern Yilan's Nan'ao Township offers pretty views of the vivid blue ocean, and the town of Nan'ao itself is also worthy of a brief wander.
SHUANGXIGOU HISTORIC TRAIL (雙溪溝古道)
This short walk on the southeastern edge of Yangmingshan National Park is perfect for when you want something short, easy, and relaxing. The shady and often streamside loop also includes a stop at a coffee shop.
MOUNT WANREN and SIXTY STONE MOUNTAIN (萬人山/六十石山)
Mount Wanren is an easy Xiao Bai Yue in the south of Hualien County. Although the climb to the summit is short, if you time your trip right, you can combine it with a visit to the spectacular daylily fields on the nearby slopes of Sixty Stone Mountain.
TAOLIN BIKEWAY (桃林鐵路自行車道)
This gentle ride in Taoyuan has been deftly stitched together from the remains of the old Taolin coal railway. The scenery cannot be described as breathtaking, but it’s a fun way to explore part of Taoyuan that’s well off the tourist trail.
HEPING ISLAND PARK (和平島公園)
Heping Island Park is a small pocket of land on an island that shelters the mouth of Keelung Harbour. People come here to walk the short coastal trail year-round, and in the summer, you'll find the ocean-fed pools full of swimmers.
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.
YEHLIU PORT HILL and the CAMEL’S HUMP (野柳山/駱駝岩)
This wonderful pocket-sized adventure on Taiwan's northern coast is almost a perfect half-day hike.
DAPO POND (大坡池)
This loop trail in Taitung's Chishang Township is characterized by beautiful lake views, mountainous landscapes, unique sculptures and abundant birdlife.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 