Huoyan Shan'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 trail in Hsinchu County takes in not just one, but two of Taiwan's Minor 100 Peaks. It is a fun, not too difficult half-day walk with a few views and temples along the way.
NUANSHOU SHAN SINO-FRENCH WAR TRENCHES (暖壽山/清法戰爭古戰壕遺址）
This short trail in an overlooked corner of Keelung City will take you back in time to 1884 - when French and Qing soldiers fought for control of Taiwan.
LION’S HEAD MOUNTAIN (獅頭山)
Lion's Head Mountain in Miaoli is just one of many peaks scattered across Taiwan to be named due to its resemblance to the King of the Jungle. What sets this particular lion apart from the others is its enduring role as a site of spiritual significance. Dotting the mountain's slopes visitors will find a proliferation of temples, some of which have been open to worshippers for over a hundred years.
FAIRY SHRIMP at XIANGTIAN POOL (向天池的仙女蝦)
Xiangtian Pool is an ephemeral body of water in an old volcanic crater on the northwestern edge of Yangmingshan National Park. It can be seen after periods of heavy rain, and only then for a brief time. As if this didn't make the pool intriguing enough, it is also home to a population of fairy shrimp which spawn in great numbers when the conditions are just right.
A WANDER IN KENTING NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION AREA (墾丁國家森林旅樂區)
Whether your interest lies in rocks, plants, creatures or culture, Kenting National Forest Recreation Area is well worth a visit. Amongst the towering limestone cliffs and subterranean caves you can spot a whole host of cute critters and an impressive array of tropical plant life.
MOUNT XIANGTIANHU LOOP (三角湖山/向天湖山/光天高山O型)
![""](http://taiwantrailsandtales.files.wordpress.com/2020/10/img_1762.jpg?w=1024")
Tucked away in the hills of Miaoli's Nanzhuang Township, the trail up to Mount Xiangtianhu leads you on a fabulous walk from a picturesque indigenous village, through misty forests to three different peaks.
LINGJIAO and WANGGU WATERFALLS (嶺腳瀑布/望古瀑布)
The Lingjiao to Wanggu Trail packs an awful lot into its short length. You get not one, but two waterfalls, a dash of history and a trail that’s both pretty and gentle. It’s also short enough that you can combine it with a visit to some of the other sights and trails along the Pingxi Line.
SCISSORS ROCK NIGHT HIKE (剪刀石夜爬)
Scissors Rock is up there with Elephant Mountain in terms of its popularity among the easily accessible trails of Taipei. But unlike it's Xinyi District counterpart, this trail in Neihu falls quiet as soon as night settles on the city. Travellers willing to brave the dark will be treated to peaceful city views and maybe even a flying squirrel (or two, or five)
QILAI NANHUA TRAIL – DAY 2 (奇萊南華步道)
Qilai South Peak and Nanhua Shan are two of Taiwan's famed '100 Peaks'. If you have no experience of high mountains, these two are a pretty good place to start. This post covers the second day of the two day journey.
QILAI NANHUA TRAIL – DAY 1 (奇萊南華步道)
Qilai South Peak and Nanhua Shan are two of Taiwan's famed '100 Peaks'. If you have no experience of high mountains, these two are a pretty good place to start. This post covers the first day of the two day journey.
BATTLESHIP ROCK NIGHT HIKE (軍艦岩夜景)
Close to the city, Battleship Rock Trail is an ever popular walk, and on weekends in particular you are likely to find it pretty crowded. But for those who are feeling brave it offers an easy after dark hike and a stupendous night view of Taipei.
ALISHAN SISTERS PONDS LOOP (阿里山：姐妹池O型)
Alishan has been a popular destination with tourists for decades, the lure of the mountain air and beautiful forest scenery drawing in the crowds. These days visitors still flock to the park to enjoy the forest, the sunrise and the picturesque little red trains that ply the narrow-gauge tracks through the trees. This trail will take you on a short and easy wander around some of the sights.
TUCHENG TUNG BLOSSOM TRAIL (土城油桐花步道)
Every April and May the mountains around Taipei are cloaked with the white blossom of the tung tree. Getting out to observe this May 'snowfall' is a popular activity amongst the locals, and this trail in Tucheng is one of many places you can go to join in.
TAMSUI-KAVALAN TRAILS: WANTAN HISTORIC TRAIL and BEISHI RIVER TRAIL (淡蘭古道：灣潭古道/三水潭/北勢溪古道)
The walk along Wantan Historic Trail and Beishi River Trail is soul-comforting waterside wander between villages in New Taipei's sorely overlooked Shuangxi District. Bring a picnic and get ready to soak in some gently spectacular scenery.
