This loop trail takes you to a wilder edge of Yangmingshan Park that many visitors never see. The first section is a tough climb through quiet, dense forest. The mid section takes you scrambling from peak to peak through a maze of bamboo. And during the final section all your hard work is rewarded as you experience the sheer pleasure of following a delightful stream carving its way down through a luscious valley.
NEW TAIPEI CITY MODERATE HIKES
BIJIA RIDGE TO ERGE SHAN (筆架連峰)
If you've ever travelled to Yilan on Freeway Number 5, you might have glanced right just before you entered the first of the long tunnels and seen a tree-coated ridge running towards the west. If you're like me, that glimpse of intriguingly knobbly peaks and dips might have lead you to wonder what walking possibilities were hidden by the lush green foliage. The answer is the Bijia ridge trail - a strenuous, (but not difficult), and enjoyable trek which offers occasional great views and plenty of fun hiking.
WULAI SHAN TO DATONG SHAN (烏來山 / 大桶山)
This challenging, but exceedingly fun route leads you from one of northern Taiwan's most scenic hot spring villages up some steep scrambles with great views over the valley. Remember to bring a towel and you can treat your tired feet to a soak in Wulai's mineral-rich waters at the end of the hike.
FUMAO OLD TRAIL TO LONGLONG SHAN AND FULONG SHAN (福卯古道/隆隆山/福隆山)
An east coast walk on the wild side - Fumao old trail to Fulong shan follows the contours of the headland through high grass and scrubby forest all the while delivering outstanding coastal scenery and pleasantly challenging terrain.
CAOLING HISTORIC TRAIL (草嶺古道)
This historic and very accessible trail will take you over the hills from Dali to Fulong next to an inviting river stream. Better yet, you can look forward to a refreshing swim once you have reached your destination.
WAI WA ZI SHAN TO HONGLUDI NANSHAN FUDE TEMPLE (外挖子山步道-烘爐地南山福德宮)
A ridge trail which skirts the southern edge of Taipei and takes in a couple of notable temples along the way.
XIN SHAN to DREAM LAKE and KEZILIN RIVER POOL (新山/夢湖/柯子林天然游泳池)
Excitement, adventure, great views, a hidden lake and a wild swimming pool just outside of Taipei. This is a great loop walk with all sorts of rewards for those who attempt it in the warmer months.
STEGOSAURUS RIDGE (劍龍稜/茶壺山)
An exhilarating (and rule breaking), straddling of the dinosaur's spine. Not one for the faint-hearted.
ERGE SHAN VIA NANBANGLIAO LOOP (二格山，南邦寮山)
This short loop at the edge of civilisation offers a quick getaway from the city.
WU LIAO JIAN (五寮尖)
A very exciting full body hiking experience with great views and challenging climbs.
CUEI LAKE AND NEIGOU SHAN TRAIL (翠湖/內溝山步道)
Fun scramble through a hidden valley just to the east of Taipei.
PAOZILUN HIKING TRAIL AND SILONG WATERFALL (炮子崙步道/四龍瀑布)
A chance to test your navigation skills as you wander through hillside farmland.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 