Image courtesy of taiwanhikes.com

Taiwan is a hiker’s paradise, with its dramatic mountain ranges, lush forests, and easily accessible trailheads. Whether you’re an urban explorer or a mountain peak chaser, Taiwan has something for you.

Table of Contents

1. Hiking Culture in Taiwan
2. What to Bring on a Hike
3. Best Seasons and Weather Tips
4. Top Hiking Trails in Taiwan
5. Hiking Safety Tips

Hiking Culture in Taiwan

From quick urban walks to multi-day alpine ascents, hiking is a beloved pastime in Taiwan. Weekends see locals and expats alike crowding mountain trails around Taipei, while more experienced hikers venture into central Taiwan’s national parks.

Main Hiking Regions in Taiwan

• Taipei & New Taipei City: Accessible trails like Elephant Mountain, Teapot Mountain, and Yangmingshan make this area perfect for day hikes with incredible city views and geothermal landscapes.

• Hualien & Taroko National Park: Home to dramatic marble gorges and lush canyons. Trails like Zhuilu Old Trail and Lushui-Wenshan showcase Taiwan’s unique geological diversity.

• Central Mountain Range (Nantou, Taichung, Hsinchu): The heart of Taiwan’s alpine hiking scene, featuring iconic peaks like Hehuanshan, Xueshan, and Yushan (Jade Mountain). Multi-day and permit-based hikes start here.

• Yilan & Northeast Coast: Known for coastal cliffs and forested trails that offer a blend of sea and mountain views. Good for intermediate-level hikers.

• Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Taitung): Warmer weather and wilder terrain. Explore forest parks, aboriginal trails, and river tracing routes in more remote areas.

What to Bring on a Hike

Essentials:

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Daypack
• Water (1.5–2L minimum)
• Snacks/lunch
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Rain jacket

Optional:

• Trekking poles
• GPS or hiking app
• Headlamp
• Extra layers

Best Seasons and Weather Tips

• Best months: October–April (cool, dry)
• Avoid: Typhoon season (July–September), and days with heavy rain
• Ideal conditions: Clear skies, low humidity, moderate temps

Top Hiking Trails in Taiwan

Here’s a curated list of beautiful, diverse hikes from your personal location data:

• Teapot Mountain Trail – 茶壺山步道
• Shamaoshan Trail – 紗帽山步道
• Shaolai Trail – 稍來山步道
• Tianmu Historic Trail – 天母古道
• Neidong National Forest Trail – 內洞森林步道
• Xiuluan Battleship Rock – 秀巒軍艦岩
• Nanzilin Trail – 南子林步道
• 孝子山 (Mt. Xiaozi) – 孝子山
• Feng Gui Zui Pavilion Trail – 風櫃嘴步道
• Dali-Datong Trail – 大禮-大同步道
• Hehuanshan West Peak – 合歡山西峰
• Mt. Tuhua Track Trailhead – 土花山登山口
• Red Incense Burner Summit – 紅香爐峰
• Zhongzheng Mountain Trail – 中正山步道
• Phoenix Mountain Trail – 鳳凰山
• 八頭山 Trail – 八頭山
• Castle Hill Rocks – 岩城山 (for bouldering)
• Key Summit – 鑰匙山
• Stegosaurus Ridge – 劍龍稜線

Hiking Safety Tips

• Check the weather before you go; mountain weather changes fast
• Download offline maps (Maps.me or Gaia GPS recommended)
• Tell someone where you’re going if hiking alone
• Start early to avoid afternoon storms and catch better views
• Respect nature – pack out what you pack in

Whether you’re conquering iconic peaks or wandering quiet forest paths, Taiwan’s hiking trails promise awe-inspiring views and unforgettable memories. Lace up your boots and get going!