
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
1. Yangmingshan National Park
A popular hiking destination with stunning views of Taipei city, home to hot springs and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
- Variety of Trails: Offers trails for all levels of hikers, from easy walks to challenging treks.
- Geothermal Attractions: Has sulfur vents and hot springs that are a unique feature not found in many parks.
- Natural Wildlife Sanctuary: Provides a habitat for various endemic and migratory species, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching.
2. Shifen Waterfall
A picturesque waterfall located in Pingxi, known for its stunning beauty and nearby sky lantern releases.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Surrounded by trails that offer breathtaking views of the waterfall and lush greenery.
- Sky Lantern Releases: Famous for sky lantern releases, especially during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
- Nearby Pingxi Old Street: Adjacent to the old street, where you can write wishes on sky lanterns and release them.
3. Jiufo Mountain
A challenging hike that rewards with a panoramic view of Taipei city from the summit.
- Strenuous Hiking Trail: A demanding, yet rewarding trail for experienced hikers.
- Summit Viewpoint: Offers a unique perspective of Taipei city from its summit.
- Nearby Jiufo Temple: A historical temple at the base of the mountain, where you can learn about local culture and history.
4. Wulai Atayal Village
An indigenous village known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and traditional crafts.
- Hot Springs: Has natural hot springs where you can relax after a day of hiking.
- Waterfalls: Surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, such as Wulai Falls and Tiawan Falls.
- Cultural Experiences: Provides opportunities to learn about the Atayal culture through traditional craft demonstrations.
5. Turtle Island (Yangchuan Islet)
A small island located in the Tamsui River, offering hiking trails and stunning river views.
- Island Hike: Features a short, easy hiking trail around the island.
- Turtle-shaped Island: Shaped like a turtle, it's an iconic sight and a great spot for photos.
- River Cruises: Can be accessed via river cruises from Tamsui Pier, providing a unique way to reach the island.
6. Keelung River Trail
A scenic trail following the Keelung River, offering views of waterfalls, temples, and cityscape.
- Urban Hike: Passes through urban areas as well as lush greenery, providing a mix of city and nature.
- Historical Sites: Includes historical sites like the Longshan Temple and the old streets of Dadaocheng.
- Waterfalls: Features several waterfalls along the trail, such as Dalongdong Banyan Tree Waterfall.
7. Hemingway Trail
A challenging trail named after Ernest Hemingway, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Challenging Hike: A demanding hike with steep ascents and descents, suitable for experienced hikers.
- Pacific Ocean Views: Offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from several points along the trail.
- Historical Significance: Named after Ernest Hemingway, who frequented the area in the 1950s.
8. Tamsui Coastal Trail
A scenic coastal trail offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Tamsui Old Street.
- Coastal Scenery: Features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, sea cliffs, and lighthouses.
- Tamsui Old Street: Ends at Tamsui Old Street, where you can enjoy local food and shop for souvenirs.
- Historical Landmarks: Passes by historical landmarks like Fort San Domingo and the Three Lighthouses.
9. Wulai Rapids
Whitewater rapids located in Wulai Atayal Village, perfect for rafting and swimming.
- Whitewater Rafting: Offers exciting whitewater rafting experiences on the rapids.
- Swimming: Provides opportunities for swimming and relaxing in the cool water.
- Nearby Wulai Atayal Village: Adjacent to Wulai Atayal Village, where you can experience indigenous culture.
10. Tongyuan Lake Trail
A easy-to-moderate trail surrounding Tongyuan Lake, offering peaceful and picturesque views.
- Peaceful Trail: Features a calm and serene environment, perfect for a relaxing hike.
- Tongyuan Lake: Circles Tongyuan Lake, which is home to various bird species.
- Historical Landmarks: Passes by historical landmarks like the Qingjiangkan Memorial Hall and the Shihmen Reservoir.
11. Houtong Cat Village Trail
A trail leading to a cat village known for its stray cats and mining history.
- Cat-themed Atmosphere: Famous for the numerous stray cats that roam around.
- Mining History: Originally a coal mining town, the area still showcases some of its history and culture.
- Unique Street Art: Features vibrant street art depicting cats and mining scenes.
12. Pingxi Sky Lantern Town Trail
A trail leading to Pingxi Sky Lantern Town, known for its nightly sky lantern releases.
- Sky Lantern Releases: Famous for nightly sky lantern releases, especially during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
- Historical Railway: Passes by the old Pingxi Line, a narrow-gauge railway still in operation.
- Nearby Hiking Trails: Surrounded by numerous hiking trails, such as Shifen Waterfall and Jiufo Mountain.
13. Wulai Wildlife Trail
A trail through Wulai Atayal Village, offering opportunities to see indigenous wildlife.
- Indigenous Wildlife: Provides chances to observe various indigenous species in their natural habitat.
- Cultural Experiences: Adjacent to Wulai Atayal Village, where you can learn about local culture and traditions.
- Natural Hot Springs: Has natural hot springs where you can relax after a day of hiking and exploring.
14. Neiwan Old Street Trail
A trail leading to Neiwan Old Street, known for its wooden houses and indigenous culture.
- Indigenous Culture: Offers a glimpse into the lives of the Atayal tribe.
- Wooden Houses: Features traditional wooden houses, some dating back centuries.
- Cultural Festivals: Hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, such as the Rice Wine Festival.
15. Xindian Gorge Trail
A challenging trail through Xindian Gorge, offering stunning views of the gorge and waterfalls.
- Strenuous Hike: A demanding hike with steep ascents and descents, suitable for experienced hikers.
- Gorge Scenery: Features breathtaking views of Xindian Gorge, a deep and narrow canyon.
- Waterfalls: Passes by several waterfalls, such as the beautiful Zhuoshui Waterfall.