While the hills south of Keelung River are well known for their wealth of hiking trails, the peaks to the north are far less developed. This walk to Maling Peak is a short scramble through some of the area's less frequently traversed trails.
MODERATE HIKES IN TAIWAN
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.
TAIWAN HEMLOCK TRAIL (鐵杉林自然步道)
Taipingshan's Hemlock Trail is an enchanted forest wonderland. If you're planning your trip to the area, then make sure to include this spectacular route on your itinerary.
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.
YOUKENG TRAIL and WATERFALL (幼坑步道/幼坑瀑布)
The hills sheltering the Pingxi Line are home to countless exciting trails and waterfalls. Perhaps one of the most spectacular amongst them is the many-leveled Youkeng Waterfall.
PHOENIX MOUNTAIN (鳳凰山)
Xitou is probably most famous for its Japanese folklore inspired monster village, but for those who prefer to escape the crowds, there are lots of hiking trails too. The climb up to Phoenix Mountain follows an atmospheric cloud-cloaked ridge line through towering bamboo forest, exactly the kind of place where you might run into a real mythological creature.
MOUNT DONGMAO (東卯山)
The fifth highest of the Guguan Seven Heroes, Mount Dongmao is a thoroughly enjoyable day hike in Taichung's Heping District. Despite the trail's relative ease, it doesn't hold back on the views.
SHEN-XIAN TRAIL (神仙縱走)
Shen-Xian Trail is an exhilarating ridge walk in Miaoli which will give you a great day’s workout.
YUN-CHIA FIVE PEAK TRAIL (雲嘉五連峰)
This exceptionally scenic trail straddles the border of Yunlin and Chiayi counties, and takes walkers on a breathtaking trek through tea plantations and coffee farms.
NUANDONG VALLEY LOOP (暖東峽谷O型)
This short and sweet loop in Keelung’s overlooked Nuannuan District makes a great half day exploration. The trail tracks through quiet woodland and boasts beautiful views of water-sculpted rocks, as well as a couple of stream crossings and a photogenic land god temple thrown in for good measure.
MOUNT MALUN (馬崙山)
At 2305m high, Mount Malun is the second highest among Guguan’s Seven Heroes, but despite its lofty nature, it’s not a difficult climb. The long trail climbs gently (well almost gently), through different types of forest landscape and past the remains of an old logging village.
SANXIA LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN (獅仔頭山/粽串尖)
Lion's Head Mountain on the border of New Taipei's Sanxia and Xindian Districts is one of several similarly named peaks scattered across the various counties of Taiwan. This particular lion offers excitement and adventure with a dash of history, and a visit is well worth the trouble of getting out there.
MOUNT EGONGJI and MOUNT NIAOZUI (鵝公髻山/鳥嘴山)
Situated in Hsinchu's Wufeng Township, Mount Egongj and its neighbour Mount Niaozui offer a great day's walking. Hikers can take in both dramatic views and photogenic forests on this enjoyable route.
HUOYAN SHAN (火炎山)
Fire Mountain's flame-red slopes are an instantly recognisable landmark for motorists driving between Taichung and Miaoli. This formerly restricted nature reserve is home to a Minor 100 Peak, and has some of the most unique terrain that you're likely to find in Taiwan.
FEIFENG SHAN, ZHONGKENG SHAN and SHIBITAN SHAN LOOP (飛鳳山/中坑山/石壁潭山O型)
This fun, half-day trail in Hsinchu County will take you to one of Taiwan's Minor 100 Peaks. There are a few scenic views along the way and you can even have the odd experience of seeing Taipei 101 from a different county.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 