Hello Hike lovers!
If you love the fresh air, mountain scenery, and breathtaking views, you came to the right country! Taiwan has so many wonderful hikes to offer. We have compiled here our TOP 10 hikes that you must do while in Taiwan! In our opinion, these are the best hikes in Taiwan.
Overnight Hikes:
1. Jade Mountain Main Peak (Yushan)
If you are in Taiwan for a few months, this hike should definitely be on top of your To Do list! It is number 1 on our list of best hikes in Taiwan for a reason. You can expect, breathtaking views, unforgettable memories, and the the satisfaction of having conquered the highest mountain in Taiwan! Although this is the highest mountain in Taiwan, the hike is fairly easy and can be done by a fit beginner without any problem. Note that you need to apply for the permits long in advance to be accepted to the hike and they can be quite a hassle to get.
2. Snow Mountain East and Main Peak
Snow Mountain, is the second-highest mountain in Taiwan. It offers wonderful views of the rocky mountains surrounding the area. This hike is a bit more difficult than Yushan as Snow Mountain is a bit more steep. But the feeling of satisfaction on the peak is even better and the views are so awesome, so it is worth the leg pain.
You also need to get permits for this hike, however, you don’t need to apply for them as long in advance as Yushan.
3. The Wuling Sixiu
The Wuling Quadruple is a group of four peaks that are generally done two by two on a 2 day hike. Mount Chiyou (3303m), Mount Pintian (3524m), Mount Tao (3325m), and Mount Kalaye (3133m) are the four peaks guaranteeing you a challenging hike with stunning mountain scenery and views. This hike is a tad more difficult than the first two hikes on this list, and you should not do it as your first big hike in Taiwan.
4. Chia Lo Lake
Camping on a mountain next to a lake is something to experience once in your life. The remote feeling you get is unbeatable. Moreover, the hike is mainly made of natural dirt paths or tree roots stairs. It can take you up to 6 hours to reach the lake depending on where you start the hike. Indeed, if you go by bus, you have to add a 2 to 3 hour walk on the road before reaching the trail head. Read about our trip to Chia Lo Lake HERE.
Hikes in Taiwan you can do in one day:
5. Taroko Jhuilu Old Trail
This remains a must do hike in Taiwan. However, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed by the fact that the trail was closed (and has been for a few years now) right after the cliffs. So you are forced to go back the same way you came.
The hike, however, still makes it to our top hikes in Taiwan because the view from the cliffs and the walk on the narrow path is an unforgettable experience that I recommend. You also need permits for this hike and to pay a fee to enter. It will take you about 3 hours to go back and forth. But as you will be in the Taroko National Park, there are plenty of other hikes, for which you don’t need permits, that you can do around.
6. Hehuanshan
Hehuanshan is the perfect beginner hike if you are not sure are fit enough for high mountains. It will give you this high mountain experience without the exhausting part of the hike. Hehuanshan is the most accessible high Mountain in Taiwan. The road brings you up to 3275 meters above sea level, which definitely makes it the highest road in Taiwan. Then the hike up to Mount Shimen top (3237m) is super easy. It takes about 20 minutes and is one of the easiest high mountain peaks. Then you can try the main (3417m), north (3422m), and, east peak (3421m) if you feel like it. All of them are super easy hikes and really doable in one day.
7. Wuliaojian
My personal favorite day hike in Taiwan. The hike has everything I love: challenging hike, rope climbing, natural dirt and rock path in the forest which all in all makes it a perfect full-body workout. It took us about 5 hours to complete the hike and we were incredibly satisfied afterward. The only downside of this hike is getting to the trail head from Taipei. The best option is to take a taxi from the end of the Blue Line MRT. Anyway, you won’t be disappointed by the view from the top and the fun you’ll have reaching the razor-like peak! Read about our hike to Wuliaojian HERE.
8. The Four Beasts
Elephant Mountain, Tiger Mountain, Lion Mountain, and Leopard Mountain make up the four beasts. It is a perfect day hike around Taipei. The trail will take you 2 to 3 hours to complete. The hike is really easy and made of man-made stone paths and stairs. If the weather is good, you’ll get awesome shots of the city.
You can start your hike on the Tiger Mountain trail where you’ll be able to easily make your way around Nangang Mountain before ending your hike at Elephant Mountain. This route allows you to reach each of the peaks without too much backtracking and is an easier hike with a gradual climb.
To find the trailhead to Tiger Mountain, get off at the Houshanpi MRT Station (後山埤捷運站) and go to Songshan Fengtian Temple (奉天宮) where you’ll find the trailhead.
9. Huang di Diang
Another awesome day hike from Taipei. It is made of a natural path with lots of ropes and ladders to climb. After your ascension you reach a ridge and the hike gets super easy. Just enjoy the views, on the super narrow ridge. The ridge is actually the awesome part of this amazing hike. I would say this hike was a little bit less difficult than the Wuliaojian one, but still pretty similar. We could stay on the peak for hours looking at the stunning views.
10. Pingxi Crags
A nice, easy, and small hike around the Pingxi Crags is a must do when you stay in Taipei. Everybody can do it and the feeling on top of the crags is awesome. Try to pick a dry day to hike the crags, I find those stone stairs pretty slippery when it rains. Read about our hike to the Pingxi Crags HERE.
If you think this top 10 list of the best hikes in Taiwan is not right because you know an even more awesome hike, please leave a comment! We would love to hear about your recommendation!