Most walkers in the area come for Battleship Rock's photogenic qualities, but if you've been there and done that, perhaps your next walk could be this alternative route through the hills of Beitou District.
taipei city
BATTLESHIP ROCK TO XIN BEITOU (軍艦岩往新北投)
You can combine a visit to this photogenic rock outcrop with a not-too-difficult walk to a rather pretty Japanese shrine and end up right next to Beitou's famous sulphur valley.
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.
DINOSAURS IN A POOL
Welcome to perhaps the coolest pool in Taipei (assuming you like dinosaurs as much as I do).
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.
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.
JIAOKENG HIKING TRAIL TO QINGTIANGANG (礁坑古道)
Forested ridges, wide open grasslands, cows - this short hike has lots to offer.
JIANTAN MOUNTAIN HIKING TRAIL (劍潭山步道)
Easily accessible by MRT and bus, this trail gives you a glimpse of weekend entertainment in modern-day Taipei and touches on both its military history and present.
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.