When thinking of Taipei, the iconic Taipei 101 and bustling night markets often come to mind first. However, beyond the typical urban experience, many locals cite hiking as a favorite activity. With improved trails, mountain huts, and simplified application processes, Taiwan has fully opened its peaks, making hiking a popular national pastime since 2019.
As a metropolis surrounded by mountains, Taipei offers a variety of trails, from extensive routes that span hundreds of kilometers to shorter, family-friendly walks. Whether interested in nature, cityscapes, historic paths, or charming towns, there is something for everyone. Here, we explore where to Hike around Taipei by highlighting five half-day routes that are sure to delight adventurers of all levels.
Four Beast Mountain (四獸山)
Drive from Taipei: 20 minutes
Trail length: 6.5 km
Estimated hiking time: 3 hours
Difficulty: ★
The name of this trail might sound unfamiliar, but recognizable photos like the one above are likely taken from the Four Beasts Trail. Among its highlights, the most famous spot is Elephant Mountain. Its close proximity to the MRT station and the Xinyi District has made Elephant Mountain a popular destination for international tourists, often resulting in large crowds. Fortunately, Elephant Mountain is just one segment of the larger Four Beasts Trail.
The Four Beasts Trail comprises several mountain peaks on Nangang Mountain, including Elephant Mountain, Tiger Mountain, Lion Mountain, and Leopard Mountain. This well-developed network features stone paths, night lighting, rest stops, pavilions, photography platforms, water fountains, and notably clean and wellmaintained restrooms. Beyond Elephant Mountain, the trail sees fewer visitors, but the views remain stunning, with additional opportunities to admire Taoist temples. Several routes lead back to the base of the hill, conveniently connecting to roads that return to downtown Taipei.
Qixingshan (七星山)
Drive from Taipei: 1 hour
Trail length: 3.7 km
Estimated hiking time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: ★★
For nature and city view lovers, Taipei’s highest peak, Qixingshan, located in Yangmingshan National Park, is the one to reach. Named for the seven star-like peaks formed by volcanic activity, Qixingshan rises to 1,120 meters (about 3,674 feet). The summit rewards visitors with generous, sweeping 360-degree views of Taipei city, the Northeast Coastline, and the park’s lush landscape.
The trail features a combination of well-paved sections with stairs and more rugged paths. The scenery shifts dramatically from south to north due to the influence of winter monsoon winds. The south side features rich subtropical forests, whereas the north side is characterized by silvergrass and dwarf bamboo. With dormant volcanoes throughout the park, expect to encounter geothermal wonders such as steam vents and geysers along the way.
Caoling Historic Trail（草嶺古道）
Drive from Taipei: 1 hour
Trail length: 8.5 km
Estimated hiking time: 4 hours
Difficulty: ★★★
For a rich blend of history and nature, the Caoling Historic Trail is an excellent choice. Dating back to the early 1800s, this trail once served as a crucial route connecting Taipei and Yilan before sea travel became more common. Stretching 8.5 kilometers, it traverses mountainous terrain and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the rolling grassy peaks of northeastern Taiwan. The trail is especially captivating in late autumn when silvergrass blooms, covering the hills in a sleek, satiny sheen.
The well-maintained trail features steppingstones and includes several pavilions and scenic viewpoints. Historical sites along the way include a bridge, a temple, and Qing Dynasty stone tablets inscribed in 1867 by General Liu Ming-teng. One tablet bears the four-character Chinese phrase “to banish unruly mists” (雄鎮蠻煙), while another features the character for “tiger” (虎), reflecting the traditional belief that tigers can quell wind spirits. The path also hosts abundant biodiversity, especially around Yuanwangken Riverside Park, where ponds and creeks teem with birds, insects, and plants. As visitors ascend, they are greeted by vast expanses of glittering reed grass. At the summit, breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the coastline, and the turtleshaped Guishan Island await.
Jinguashi Mountain Trail（金瓜石步道）
Drive from Taipei: 1.5 hours
Trail length: 4 km
Estimated hiking time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: ★★
The Jinguashi Mountain Trail offers a journey through history with spectacular vistas. Located in the scenic Jinguashi area, the trail begins near the Gold Museum with a lesser-used staircase path. Ascending these steps, hikers will find the ruins of a Shinto shrine, constructed in 1898 to appease the populace during the Japanese colonial period. Although the main shrine was reduced to its foundations and pillars due to World War II, the site remains a compelling historical artifact.
As the hike progresses, the forest gradually gives way to tall feathery grass shimmering in the sunlight. This trail, less than 4 kilometers long with a maximum ascent of about 300 meters, offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the enchanting mountain town below. The route flattens out into a wide gravel path past the “Ben Shan Mine,” a significant gold and copper deposit that lowered the mountain’s elevation by over 100 meters. Hikers will see mining relics such as ventilation shafts and the “Black Meat Flats.” The trail also winds past the ruins of Japanese miners’ dormitories, now covered in creeping plants, before returning to the Gold Museum Park area, offering a captivating mix of historical significance and natural beauty.
Jingualiao Fish and Fern Trail（金瓜寮魚蕨步道）
Drive from Taipei: 1 hour
Trail length: 1.1 km
Estimated hiking time: 2 hours
Difficulty: ★
Step into a prehistoric-like jungle on the Jinguashi Fish Fern Trail, where the unique leaf shapes and vibrant green hues of ferns conjure ancient landscapes. Taiwan is home to over 700 fern species, far surpassing Europe’s 150, and New Zealand’s 229 species. This trail features 108 of these species and offers a variety of scenic changes. The path, mostly flat with occasional elevation shifts, transitions from towering tree ferns to tranquil bamboo groves, and from dense fern habitats to babbling streams.
On this short 1-kilometer trail, numerous “tree ferns” can be observed, species that have existed for over 100 million years and can grow up to 20 or 30 meters tall. Notable ferns along the route include Taiwan’s Cyathea lepifera (brush pot tree), Stachyurus praecox, and Asplenium nidus (bird’s nest ferns). The trail also winds alongside Jinguashi Creek, a popular spot for locals to cool off and enjoy the water. Various structures along the path balance functionality with sensitivity to the natural environment. The trail begins and ends high above the river, with the middle section descending close to the water level. Despite the lack of grand vistas, this hike is one of three near New Taipei City featured in Lonely Planet Magazine, highlighting its distinctive charm and appeal.
Ready to explore Taipei’s hiking trails? Reach out to our team to start planning your journey.
by Wendy Kung
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