Deep within Yilan’s Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, the Mount Wangyang Trail is an easy stroll through a magical mossy wonderland. This short path is the easiest of the three routes close to Cueifeng Villa, and what’s more, it offers the best views too… if the weather is being cooperative.
YILAN EASY HIKES
QUANTOUMU TRAIL (拳頭姆步道)
Quantoumu Trail is a short and easy walk in Yilan’s Sanxing Township. Its name means “fist” and is a reference to the fact that some feel the protuberance resembles a small clenched fist. It’s currently a managed forest area, and the whole hill has been planted with Formosan michelia trees.
TAIWAN BEECH NATIONAL TRAIL (台灣山毛櫸國家步道)
Tucked snuggly into the innermost reaches of Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, Taiwan Beech National Trail is a pretty forested walk which takes hikers through an ancient stand of beech trees that is thought to date back to the last Ice Age.
FUSHAN BOTANICAL GARDEN (福山植物園)
Fushan Botanical Garden sits so deep within the hills of Yilan that it's actually in New Taipei's Wulai District.
SONGLUO NATIONAL TRAIL (松蘿國家步道)
Songluo Trail is a very scenic waterside hike in Yilan's Datong District. Formerly a Tayal hunting route, it has now been fashioned into a family-friendly trail that is perfect for keeping the summer heat at bay.
SANXING MOUNTAIN (三星山)
The Mount Sanxing Trail is a steep and pretty walk through varied forest landscapes to the highest summit within the boundaries of Taiping National Forest Recreation Area.
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.
SNAKE HILL and DONGYUE COLD SPRINGS (蛇山/東岳冷泉)
A short walk on Taiwan's eastern coast that includes a brief stroll up a hill and a paddle in a cold spring pool.
MATCHA MOUNTAIN and MOUNT SANJIAOLUN (抹茶山/三角崙山)
You won’t find Matcha Mountain on any official maps, but that hasn’t stopped this spot becoming one of the hottest places for tourists to visit in Taiwan. An easy (if long) trail takes hikers up through pleasant forest to a summit with spectacular views of hills cloaked in shimmering grasses. Once you’ve made it to the top, it’s easy to see the appeal.
TAOYUAN VALLEY via SHIGUANYIN TEMPLE TRAIL (桃源谷步道-石觀音線)
Taoyuan Valley Trail is one of the classic day hikes in northern Taiwan. It offers free-roaming water buffalo and views for days... just be prepared to earn all the enjoyment with plenty of hard work.
WUFENGQI WATERFALLS and OUR LADY OF WUFENGQI CHURCH (五峰旗瀑布/五峰旗聖母朝聖地)
Wufengqi Scenic Area in Yilan’s Jiaoxi District is a great place to escape to when the mercury starts to rise. Walking the shaded waterfall trails and paddling in the shallow stream can help to counter the oppressive summer heat.
HOUDONGKENG WATERFALL (猴洞坑瀑布)
Hidden in the hills below Paoma Historic Trail is the split-level Houdongkeng Falls. This short walk is an easy way to pass an hour or two in Jiaoxi.
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.
MAOSING MAIN TRAIL (茂興步道主線)
Of the two trails accessible from Taipingshan's iconic bong bong train, Maosing Main Trail is both the longer and flatter option. It follows the course of the old tracks for a gentle 1km wander through grand forest scenery.
MAOSING LOOP TRAIL (茂興懷舊步道環線)
Riding the bright yellow bong bong train is one of Taipingshan's most memorable experiences. The twenty minute journey takes you to Maosing Station where you have the choice of two short trails to explore.