Hiking in Taiwan: The 30 Best Taiwan Hikes (Easy to Difficult)

Few places on Earth cram as many dramatic mountains into such a small area as Taiwan. This makes it a trekker’s gold mine.

Hiking was my favorite pastime in the 15+ years since I first moved to Taiwan. I’ve tried to keep this list of my favorite hikes in Taiwan short but still ended up with 30 entries.

I’ve organized them into the best easy, moderate, difficult (single-day) and difficult (multi-day) hikes, with the latter being the shortest because I’m not a hardcore mountain climber.

There are simply too many great hikes in and around Taipei, so I’ve only included a few in this article. Here’s the full list of my favorite hikes in Taipei.

Quick Tips for Hiking in Taiwan

Before we get to the list, here are a few general must-knows before you start planning your Taiwan hikes.

• You can purchase hiking gear at the Decathlon chain in Taipei or the row of several outdoor gear shops starting here near Taipei Main Station.
• If you don’t want to plan the logistics, there are joiner hiking trips on ParkBus Taiwan or get a hiking guide on Taiwan Outdoors.
• Being such a mountainous country, most hikes here have a lot of stairs, even in the easy category.
• Be careful with the heat in summer (and spring, and fall). Bring sun protection and plenty of water. Rain is possible in any month – conditions can change quickly.
• Most hikes on my list are accessible by public transportation and many link out to my more detailed guides.
• Hikes in Hehuanshan and all the multi-day hikes require going to high elevations. Acclimatizing somewhere for one night before the hike is highly recommended.
• Only the multi-day hikes require a permit and lodge bookings. 

Stay Connected While Hiking

I always recommend using a hiking app to find the way while hiking (I usually use AllTrails).

To stay connected on the trail, you’ll need to have a good phone plan. For short-term visitors, I recommend Holafly eSIM. These come with unlimited data, 24-hour support, and they work the moment you land in Taiwan. You can choose the exact number of days on your trip and they have an Asia plan for those visiting multiple countries.

Will you have coverage while hiking? In my experience, 99% of the time, yes! Believe it or not, I was even able to chat with my family from the summit of Yushan!

See my guide to using eSIMs and regular SIMs in Taiwan for more info.

Map of Taiwan Hikes

In the below map, I’ve labeled easy hikes in blue, moderate hikes in red, difficult (single-day) hikes in orange, and difficult (multi-day) hikes in green.

Best Easy Hikes in Taiwan

For this section, I’ve selected hikes that I did (or could have done) with my kids when they were young (let’s say 5-6 years old). Most of them take around 1-2 hours.

But heads up, a few of these are still a little tough and may have some steep stairs.

Elephant Mountain

• Location: Taipei
• Time: 60-90 minutes
• Highlight: Postcard views of Taipei
• Notes: Extremely popular (especially at sunset); short but steep

Elephant Mountain Trail is the single most popular tourist hiking trail in Taiwan, and it’s easy to see why. This relatively short but steep climb gives access to the classic postcard view of Taipei, with Taipei 101 dominating the skyline.

From the Six Boulders Lookout, I like to escape the crowds by continuing on to the other “Four Beasts” (Tiger, Lion, and Leopard) or up to the even higher 9-5 Peak.

After the hike, I always reward myself with a feast at nearby Tonghua Night Market – the perfect way to end a quintessential Taipei experience.

Yinhe (Silver Stream) Cave & Waterfall

• Location: Taipei (Maokong Gondola)
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Highlights: Cave temple and small waterfall buried in the jungle
• Notes: Tricky to find the way; some steep stairs

After riding the Maokong Gondola from Taipei Zoo Station up to Maokong Station and enjoying one of the many teahouses there, I highly recommend this hike to this mysterious temple.

The temple is carved into a small cliff in the jungle with a small waterfall pouring down through it. The setting is serene and mystical.

The only catch is that there are a few different ways to access the trail, plus a few unmarked turns along the way. See my Maokong guide (linked above) for details on finding it.

Qingtiangang Grassland

• Location: Taipei (Yangmingshan National Park)
• Time: 45-60 minutes
• Highlights: Mountain-top grassland and water buffalos
• Notes: Mostly flat with a few stairs, perfect for young kids

The best easy hike in Yangmingshan National Park, which lies partially in Taipei and partially in New Taipei City, is Qingtiangang Grassland.

This loop trail offers quintessential Yangmingshan views, with rolling, grassy hills, roaming water buffalos, fields of silvergrass in autumn, a few historic structures, and on clear days, views of Taipei far below.

My kids thought this hike was a breeze, so we extended our hike by adding Juansi Waterfall Trail, a slightly harder meander through the forest with a small waterfall.

Another option would be to hike from Qingtiangang to Lengshuikeng, where there are hot spring foot baths and traditional bathhouses, and from there more serious hikers could climb Qixingshan (see “moderate hikes” section below). See more info about getting to Yangmingshan.

Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail

• Location: New Taipei City (Pingxi area)
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Highlights: Off-the-beaten-track, three waterfalls with one you can go behind
• Notes: Hike is easy to second waterfall or moderate to third one

Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail is one of my favorite easy hikes in all of Taiwan. I have a lot of memories on this trail – a first date with my now wife, taking our students there, and later our kids.

From tiny Sandiaoling station (direct trains from Taipei AND it’s on the Pingxi Line), you cross under the tracks then follow them to the trailhead.

A brief ascent leads to a waterfall view before reaching a smaller but more impressive Motian Falls, which you can climb up into a cave behind.

With kids, we usually turn back from there, but more adventurous hikers can climb a steep ladder to a third waterfall, or continue on an even longer trail all the way to Houtong Cat Village or Shifen Old Street and the much more touristy Shifen Waterfall.

Bitoujiao Trail, New Taipei City

• Location: New Taipei City (Northeast Coast below Jiufen)
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Highlights: Rolling staircases on coastal cliffs
• Notes: Best reached from Keelung or Jiufen

Bitoujiao (or Bitou Cape) Trail is one of the most beautiful coastal trails in Taiwan (and there are many!)

The classic view of Bitoujiao is a long set of stairs descending and then ascending to a pavilion atop a verdant hill with expansive sea views beyond.

There are quite a few stairs on this trail so I’d rate it easy-moderate – kids might struggle with it or need more time. You can get there by car or by bus from Keelung or Jiufen Old Street.

An easier alternative which is closer to Keelung is Heping Island Geopark.  

Wufengqi Waterfall

• Location: Yilan (Jiaoxi)
• Time: 20-30 minutes
• Highlights: Short and easy, beautiful waterfall
• Notes: Easy add-on before/after soaking in hot springs in Jiaoxi

Wufengqi is one of the best (and super easy) waterfall hikes in Taiwan. It is just outside of Jiaoxi, the main hot springs town in Yilan county, which can easily be done as a day trip or overnight trip from Taipei.

From the Jiaoxi town center, take an Uber (or find a taxi in front of the train station) or walk (one hour) to the trailhead. The hike itself is short and easy, with some stairs, but the reward is big, as the waterfall is stunning.

More serious hikers will find several longer hike options starting from nearly the same spot: Shengmu (Sacred Mother) Trail, Matcha Mountain, and Yuemeikeng Waterfall – just Google for info on any of them.

Note: Wufengqi Waterfall Trail is closed for repairs until January 31, 2026.

Jianqing Haigu Historic Trail

• Location: Taipingshan
• Time: 1 hour
• Highlights: Moss covered logging train lines and rope bridges
• Notes: Located just before the main section of the Forest Recreation Area

Taipingshan is a less touristy alternative to Alishan. And like Alishan, it features several hikes along old train tracks in a former logging area.

Of all the trails in Taipingshan, my favorite one is Jianqing Haigu Historic Trail, which is super easy and almost totally flat.

The trail follows a moss-covered abandoned railway line through the misty forest. Towards the end, there are two cool rope bridges which are optional to cross.

To find this one, you’ll need to get off the bus one stop before the main park stop or park your car in the main parking lot and walk 15 minutes down the highway to the trailhead.

Xiangde Temple Trail

• Location: Hualien (Taroko Gorge)
• Time: 45 minutes
• Highlights: Stunning gorge views, temple, vegetarian restaurant
• Notes: It’s one of the few trails currently open in Taroko Gorge.

I wanted to include one hike in Taroko Gorge. Unfortunately, ever since the 2024 Hualien Earthquake, most of them have been closed, so I only had a couple to choose from (see what’s open in Taroko Gorge here).

The top pick goes to Xiangde Temple Trail in Tianxiang village at the upper end of the gorge. From Tianxiang Recreation Area, you cross the stunning Pudu Bridge and follow a paved path up to Xiangde Temple, which is impossible to miss.

Watch for the small vegetarian restaurant here on the way!

Fenqi Trail

• Location: Fenqihu (Alishan region)
• Time: 1 hour
• Highlights: Bamboo forest, cool old street with railway bento boxes
• Notes: Some steep stairs but my kids loved it

Fenqihu is a tiny mountain village famous for its historic old street, railway bento boxes, fireflies, and bamboo forests.

Of the several bamboo forest trails in town, I feel that Fenqi Trail is the best one. From the main road near the bus stop, you’ll climb up through a forest, cross another road, and then enter the bamboo section, including the remains of an old Shinto shrine.

If you’re riding the Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi to Alishan, it will make a one-hour stop in Fenqihu. If you move quickly, you might be able to squeeze this hike in, but 2-3 hours is a safer amount of time to enjoy the hike and old street.

Giant Tree Trail

• Location: Alishan
• Time: 1 hour
• Highlights: ancient cypress trees, Alishan Forest Railway, sea of clouds at sunset
• Notes: Less touristy alternative to Sister Pond Trail (easy to combine both)

Of the main tourist trails in Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, Giant Tree Trail is my favorite one. Accessed from Shouzhen Temple, it’s a loop trail featuring enormous, ancient trees, and Ciyun Temple (the best spot to see sea of clouds at sunset).

A route I often recommend is to ride the Alishan Forest Railway from Alishan to Chaoping (6 minutes), hike Sister Pond Trail to Shouzhen Temple, then do this loop (clockwise direction), ending at Shenmu (Sacred Tree) Station, where you can ride the railway back to Alishan Station (6 minutes).

Follow my Alishan itinerary and see the train times here.

Shoushan (Monkey Mountain)

• Location: Kaohsiung
• Time: 2 hours
• Highlights: Tons of macaques
• Notes: Complex network of trails – use a map app

Shoushan is a mountain between Kaohsiung city center and the sea. It has a complex network of trails and pretty much guaranteed monkey (macaque) spotting, hence the nickname “Monkey Mountain”.

There’s a fair bit up uphill walking, but I’ve always seen macaques within the first 5 to 15 minutes. You also get some Kaohsiung city views and uplifted coral reef features in the forest.

There are many different possible entry points and routes on the mountain. Click on my Shoushan guide (linked above) for my recommended way.

Lion’s Head Mountain

• Location: Miaoli and Hsinchu
• Time: 1-3 hours
• Highlights: Hidden gem; cave temples and chance to sleep in a temple
• Notes: Tricky to reach but trails are easy

Lion’s Head Mountain, which is more of a hill than a mountain, spans Miaoli and Hsinchu counties, with a trailhead on either side.

The best access point is Quanhua Temple on the Miaoli side, which is also where you can spend the night. People often combine it with a visit to Nanzhuang Old Street nearby. Buses will get you close, but you’ll have to hike up to the temple.

From the temple, you can hike to several others, some of which have caves inside or are totally built into caves.

Best Moderate Hikes in Taiwan

Now we’re moving on to moderately difficult hikes. Most of these are either longer or have very steep stairs.

I’d do any of these with my kids at age 10+, but of course that will depend on the family/kid.

Jinmianshan

• Location: Taipei
• Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Highlights: Expansive Taipei city views, no tourists
• Notes: Some scrambling over large boulders required

Jinmianshan Trail in Neihu district of Taipei is a great alternative to the insanely popular Elephant Mountain.

You won’t find any tourists here, but you will get insane city views. You’ll be looking down on the city from the north, with Taipei 101 visible in the distance.

This trail is just as steep as Elephant Mountain, but I’ve bumped it into the moderate category because you’ll need to do some scrambling over large boulders at the top.

Here are other spots around the city to view Taipei 101.

Qixingshan

• Location: Taipei (Yangmingshan National Park)
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Highlights: Volcanic fumaroles, Taipei city views
• Notes: Tallest peak in the national park, often foggy

Qixingshan (or Seven Star Mountain) is the tallest peak in Yangmingshan National Park, at 1120 meters.

The trail rises steeply above the Xiaoyoukeng volcanic fumaroles to the peak, then drops just as steeply down to Lengshuikeng, where there are free foot-soaking tubs and traditional bathhouses.

A few sections are so steep I had to use my hands. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see a thing from the peak because it was so foggy – you’ll have to be lucky! It’s nevertheless a very popular hike.

Mount Keelung

• Location: New Taipei City (Jiufen area)
• Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Highlights: Sweeping views of coast and Jiufen
• Notes: Stairs all the way up but the views are worth it

From the ridiculously popular Jiufen Old Street, you can escape the crowds by doing this hike, which starts just down the road and goes straight up to the peak of Mount Keelung.

The hike is all stairs, with an optional side route that has a dirt trail. But the view from the top looking down the coast is out-of-this-world.

Sunset is a lovely time to be at the top, then you’ll get magnificent views of Jiufen lighting up at night as you descend.

Teapot Mountain

• Location: New Taipei City (Jiufen area)
• Time: 1.5 (or 3.5 hours with extension)
• Highlights: Teapot-shaped peak and coastal views of Yin Yang Sea
• Notes: Steep, with some rope climbing if you do the extension

One of my favorite hikes in Northern Taiwan is Teapot Mountain, which starts from Jinguashi Gold Museum, a short bus ride from Jiufen Old Street.

The trail ascends steeply to a teapot-shaped stony peak, with views looking down on Yin Yang Sea, where mineral-rich mountain water mixes with blue seawater.

From the teapot, you have the option to go back the same way or climb through (or around) the teapot to do a longer extension called Banpingshan. The extension is more difficult, with some scrambling and a few sections with ropes up cliffs.

Eventually, it circles back to Jinguashi via some beautiful remains of a Japanese Shinto shrine.

Caoling Historic Trail

• Location: New Taipei City (Fulong Beach) to Yilan (Dali Station)
• Time: 3 hours
• Highlights: Coastal bluffs, buffalos, silvergrass in autumn
• Notes: Longer but not particularly difficult

The one-way Caoling Historic Trail follows an ancient route from New Taipei City to Yilan. From Fulong Beach, it goes through the forest before finally reaching the coastal bluffs lookout.

From there, you can descend steeply to Dali Station, or do a longer and more difficult add-on, called Taoyuan Valley, and end at Daxi Station.

This hike attracts masses of locals for silvergrass season in November.

Eryanping & Shizhuo Tea Trails

• Location: Xiding and Shizhuo villages (Alishan region)
• Time: 1.5 hours for Eryanping, 30 min to 3 hours for Shizhuo’s trails
• Highlights: Sweeping tea plantation views and sea of clouds at sunrise/sunset
• Notes: Both villages are on the main bus route from Chiayi to Alishan

Eryanping and Tea & Mist Trail are two tea plantation trails in Xiding village, where Alishan High Mountain Tea is grown. The trails meet at a lookout platform where it’s possible to see sea of clouds at sunrise or sunset. There are a few guesthouses near the trailhead.

Ten minutes’ drive past Xiding, Shizhuo has even more guesthouses, mostly run by tea farms, and a collection of five trails going through the tea plantations. Each one is only 15-30 minutes, or you can do all five in 3-4 hours.

I recommend spending one night in either of these villages on the way to Alishan. Here are the bus times.

Walami Trail, Hualien

• Location: Hualien (Yuli village)
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Highlights: Catch a glimpse of Yushan National Park without a permit
• Notes: This is the first few kilometers of the much longer Batongguan Historic Trail

Walami Trail is an excellent hiking option in southern Hualien county on the east coast. From quaint Yuli, which is on the main train, you’ll need to find a way up to the trailhead, with a possible stop at the beautiful Nanan Waterfall on the drive up.

You can then hike the first few kilometers of the trail without a permit, passing waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, and a good chance of seeing macaques (we saw tons of them!)

It’s actually an easy hike, but I listed it as moderate because of the difficulty getting there.

Huoyanshan (Fire Mountain)

• Location: Miaoli
• Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Highlights: Lunar landscape of jagged, red sandstone cliffs
• Notes: A short taxi ride will be required from the nearest local train station

Huoyanshan (Fire or Flame Mountain) is a hot spot among local trekkers, but few tourists ever make it there due to the travel times. From Miaoli or Taichung, you’ll need to take a slow local train to Houli Station and then a taxi from there.

The trail ascends through the forest and climaxes with views looking down on the rugged sandstone landscape, which looks like a mountain has been split open, with the plains of Taichung in the distance.

Dakeng Trail System

• Location: Taichung
• Time: 2 hours (or more)
• Highlights: Cool log stairways and views of Taichung city & mountains
• Notes: There are 12 numbered hikes (#1 to 10 plus #5-1 and 9-1)

Dakeng Scenic Area lies just east of Taichung city center and is the city’s most accessible hiking area, with easy bus access.

Generally speaking, trails 1-5 are the more difficult ridge routes with the classic log stairways, while 6-10 are easier strolls and closer to Taichung.

My recommended route is to take Trail #2, which features the longest log staircase (called “Stairway to Heaven”, following the ridge on Trail #5, then taking Trail #4 back down.

I’ll be exploring these on my next visit, so stay tuned for a guide.

Best Difficult (Single-Day) Hikes in Taiwan

For difficult hikes in Taiwan, I’ve separated them into two categories. The first are day hikes, so these don’t need any special planning or permits.

The first two feature some awesome ladders and vertical ascents, the third is super steep with river crossing, while the fourth is at high elevation.

Wuliaojian

• Location: New Taipei City (Sanxia)
• Time: 4-6 hours
• Highlights: Exhilarating ladders, ropes, and ridges
• Notes: There’s nothing technical involved, but you’ll need to be comfortable with heights and climbing with ladders/ropes

I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun on a hike than Wuliaojian. This trail throws everything at you – rope climbs, ladders, and crazy ridgelines. I couldn’t wait to see what was around each corner.

While it’s possible to get there by bus from Sanxia (which has bus access to Taipei), taking a taxi will be easier and faster. I also recommend a hiking app for this one (I use AllTrails – here’s the entry), as there are a few different possible ways to go.

I’ve never heard of anyone doing this trail and not loving it.

Pingxi Crags

• Location: New Taipei City (Pingxi region)
• Time: 3 hours
• Highlights: Ladders up insanely vertical stone crags
• Notes: Several trail options so use a hiking app

The Pingxi Crags offer a similar experience to Wuliaojian but in Pingxi region. From Taipei, you’ll ride the train to Ruifang then transfer to the Pingxi Line and get off at Pingxi Station (three stops after popular Shifen).

Pingxi Crags refers to the geological features, but there’s no single hike called that. Mount Cimu, Mount Xiaozi, and Mount Putuo are some of the main crags, and there are various ways of tackling them.

The shortest would be Mount Cimu and back. Here’s a loop option, and here’s an even longer one. Any of them are awesome – it’s just a matter of how long you want to go.

Mianyue Line

• Location: Alishan
• Time: 4-8 hours
• Highlights: Cool train tunnels and bridge crossings with earthquake damage, Yushan views
• Notes: You can walk part without a permit (4-5 hours), but a permit is needed for the full hike (7-8 hours)

Mianyue Line is my personal favorite hike in Alishan Forest Recreation Area, yet few visitors even realize its there.

The trail follows an abandoned branch of the Alishan Forest Railway that was heavily damaged in the 921 Earthquake. The full walk includes dozens of dark tunnels and railway bridge crossings.

While its mostly flat, the difficulty comes from the length, pitch black tunnels (flashlight needed), and an landslide section that requires some climbing.

You can get a very good taste of it without a permit, but the permit allows you to cross an orchid reserve in the middle. You need to budget a whole day in Alishan for it.

Lisong Hot Spring

• Location: Taitung
• Time: 2.5 hours
• Highlights: Steep descent into a valley, prettiest hot spring in Taiwan
• Notes: You’ll need a scooter or car and there’s a river crossing, only possible Nov. to May (dry season)

Lisong Hot Spring is the most beautiful wild spring in Taiwan but it’s not easy to reach.

From the nearest town, Chishang, you’ll need to drive 1.5 hours to the trailhead on the Southern Cross Island Highway. Then you’ll descend very steeply into a valley, cross the river, the cross it back again to reach the stunning, colorful hot springs.

You have to save this one for winter otherwise the springs will be underwater.  

Hehuanshan Peaks

• Location: Nantou
• Time: 1 to 10 hours each
• Highlights: High elevation mountain peaks, no permit needed, snow in winter
• Notes: Hehuanshan has five peaks: South, Main, East, North, and West

Hehuanshan in Central Taroko offers the best high mountain hikes in Taiwan that don’t need a permit.

Technically inside Taroko National Park, Hehuanshan is nevertheless most commonly accessed from Taichung on the west side of Taiwan. Acclimatizing for one night in Cingjing Farm area is recommended before visiting.

Hehuan South Peak is the shortest (45-60 minutes). Hehuan Main (1.5 hours) and Hehuan East (2 hours, features ruins of a ski lift) are my most recommended. Try to get a room at Songsyue Lodge for accessing them.

Hehuan North (3-4 hours) is more difficult. If you add Hehuan West, it becomes an 8-10 hour hike.

Best Difficult (Multi-Day) Hikes in Taiwan

Last but not least, we’ve reached the big ones. Virtually all of the country’s multi-day hikes are located in the three high mountain national parks: Shei-Pa National Park, Taroko National Park, and Yushan National Park.

These high elevation hikes will require advance planning, including permits, lodge bookings, and transportation. In winter, they turn from difficult to potentially dangerous, with high mountain snow hiking experience and equipment required.

As I said in the introduction, I’m not such a serious hiker, so I’ve only done a few of these, and there are many more popular ones that I haven’t included below. This is just a sample!

Yushan (Jade Mountain)

• Location: Yushan National Park (Chiayi / Nantou)
• Time: 1-2 days (with 1 night before to acclimatize)
• Highlights: Sunrise from Taiwan’s tallest peak
• Notes: Single day ascent possible, two-day ascent most common (with four-month advance permit application) plus one night before to acclimatize

Yushan (Jade Mountain) is the tallest mountain in Taiwan and East Asia, at 3952 meters. The hike is understandably super popular. Luckily, there’s a daily quota for foreigners, but you need to apply four months in advance (see my Yushan permit guide).

Another option is to join a guided group, book here on Klook, or get a private guided tour, but you’ll need to sign up six months in advance.

I recommend acclimatizing for one night at Dongpu Lodge near the trailhead. Then you hike to Paiyun Lodge and sleep there. On the final day, you climb to the summit for sunrise and then all the way back down.

I’ve done this hike twice and both times were extremely memorable. The first time, the sunrise from the peak was unbeatable. The second time was at the tail end of winter (late March), so I still had to bring the mandatory gear, even though there was hardly any snow left.

Here are three hikes you can do in Yushan National Park without a permit.

Xueshan (Snow Mountain)

• Location: Shei-Pa National Park (Taichung)
• Time: 2 days (with 1 night before to acclimatize)
• Highlights: Awesome mountain views with high chance of snow in winter
• Notes: This one’s great specifically to experience snow in winter but I recommend going with a guided group

Xueshan or Snow Mountain is the second tallest peak in Taiwan and an equally awesome climb.

For the full Snow Mountain experience, I did this one in winter, and that’s what I got. There was a ton of snow at the peak – I felt like I was on an Arctic expedition at points.

Like Yushan, you’ll drive to the trailhead, which is in beautiful Wuling Farm (known for its flowers) and spend the night in a hut to acclimatize.

The next day, you’ll hike up to the next hut, sleep there, ascend the peak for sunrise the next morning, then climb all the way out.

To arrange all the logistics, including getting there, bookings, and equipment, I recommend going on a guided trip (try Taiwan Adventures or Parkbus Taiwan).  

Dabajianshan

• Location: Shei-Pa National Park (Hsinchu)
• Time: 2 days (3 nights)
• Highlights: Distinctly shaped towering block peak
• Notes: Longer but less crowded hike than the above two, you’ll climb the Front Peak, with view of the main peak

Dabajianshan is the second peak lending its name to Shei-Pa National Park (Shei/Xue for Xueshan and Pa/Ba for Dabajianshan). It’s on the Hsinchu side of the national park and accessed from there.

In sheer kilometers, this hike is nearly twice as long as Yushan and Xueshan. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the iconic main peak from an adjacent shorter peak. Will I ever do it? Probably not, but it looks awesome.  

For a guided trip, try Parkbus, Taiwan Outdoors, or Taiwan Adventures.

Nanhu Trail

• Location: Taroko National Park (Taichung)
• Time: 4 days
• Highlights: Dramatic peaks, few people, and remote alpine meadows
• Notes: This one is endurance heavy, for serious hikers (not me!)

This long, high mountain trek bags at least four summits, including Nanhu, the fifth tallest mountain in Taiwan.

I haven’t personally done it, but I included it for serious hikers out there and I wanted to provide one tougher option for Taroko National Park.

Note that this is not in Taroko Gorge but rather in the far northern reach of the national park.

Jiaming Lake

• Location: Yushan National Park (Taitung)
• Time: 2 days (with 1 night before to acclimatize)
• Highlights: Gorgeous, high elevation alpine lake
• Notes: The easiest of the five difficult multi-day lakes I’ve listed, but still not a walk in the park

Jiaming Lake is the second highest alpine lake in Taiwan, at 3310 meters, and arguably the prettiest. Perfectly oval-shaped, it is surrounded by high mountain peaks.

The hike starts from the Southern Cross Island Highway and ascends to Jiaming Lake Cabin on Day 1. On Day 2, you hike to the lake and back, with the option to spend a second night there or hike all the way out.

I haven’t done this hike yet, but it’s a popular one and high on my list. Book this hike with the usual operators I mentioned above or here on Klook.

Thanks for reading. Did I miss your favorite hike in Taiwan? Please mention it in the comments below!