A ridge trail which skirts the southern edge of Taipei and takes in a couple of notable temples along the way.
public transport
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.
FUYUAN ANCIENT BANYAN TRAIL (福源山步道)
A quiet and pretty hiking trail just outside of Taipei. Along the way you can enjoy quirks of nature like the thousand year banyan tree and a lily pond half way up a mountain (well, it's more of a big hill really).
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN, THUMB MOUNTAIN AND 95 PEAK ON THE NANGANG TRAIL (南港山佈道: 象山 / 拇指山 / 九五峰)
Escape the hoards of tourists taking selfies at that most famous of Taipei's scenic views by exploring beyond elephant mountain. This easy route takes you higher to muzhi mountain and 95 peak, all the while offering great vantage points and lots of hidden shrines to discover.
QI TOU HIKING TRAIL (崎頭步道)
A hike fit for even the most devoted of gym bunnies.
XIANJI YAN TRAIL (仙跡岩觀山步道)
A shady wander over one of Wenshan District's smaller hills with added mythstorical (myth+historical) features.
DINOSAURS IN A POOL
Welcome to perhaps the coolest pool in Taipei (assuming you like dinosaurs as much as I do).
YANG CHO FOREST TRAIL (羊稠森林步道)
An enjoyable stroll through shady forest with views of the HSR.
MIHU HISTORIC TRAIL (迷糊步道)
A gentle escape from the heat of the summer in a quieter corner of the famous Alishan district.
FUREN TRAIL (福人步道)
A nice shaded wander around a little strip of wooded land.
KEELUNG MOUNTAIN (基隆山)
A different way to experience the famous tourist town Jiufen.
MOUNT SHAMAO TRAIL (紗帽山)
An easy spring hike in Yangmingshan national park for lizard lovers to enjoy. If you go at the right time of day, you can soak your feet (and body) afterwards in the public hot spring baths.
LINMEI SHIPAN TRAIL (林美石磐步道)
A relaxing stroll through woods next to a stream.
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.
XIHU TO DA LUN WEI HILL (西湖往大崙尾山)
A pick-your-own-ending style ramble around the hills north of Neihu.
Taiwan Trails and Tales 