Taiwan's 14 Hidden Hiking Treks Graded: 5 Difficulty Levels from Easy to Challenging!

▲ Nantou’s Hehuan Mountain and Little Qilai Grassland.

Text & Photos by /Tripbaa

Reaching the summit of mountains and conquering peak after peak is every hiker’s dream. But how should one start on the path to becoming a professional hiker? And what kind of routes are suitable for beginners? Today, our expert has compiled 14 hiking routes across Taiwan, categorized into five difficulty levels. Everyone can choose a suitable hiking route based on the expert’s recommendations, their experience, and physical condition!

Hiking Route Grades:

Grade 1: Leisurely & Scenic Hiking Routes

The first grade offers leisurely and scenic routes, all relatively flat and accessible by vehicle, making them perfect for family outings, exercise, and enjoying the forest bath of phytoncides.

Leisurely & Scenic Route #1 – Taiping Mountain Jianqing Ancient Trail & Cui Peak Lake

▲ Jianqing Ancient Trail in Taiping Mountain, Yilan.

Taiping Mountain in Yilan is one of Taiwan’s three major forestry farms, rich in natural resources and hailed by netizens as a “heaven on earth.” On Taiping Mountain lies the Jianqing Ancient Trail, recognized by CNN as one of the most beautiful trails in the world. Walking along the former railway used to transport timber, you’ll stroll through a sea of white mist—truly dreamlike. In addition, Taiping Mountain is home to Taiwan’s largest alpine lake, Cui Peak Lake. On clear days, the lake water is an azure blue, but when mountain mist rolls in, the lake seems to vanish into the foggy valley.

Leisurely & Scenic Route #2 – Qilan Sacred Tree Forest

▲ Qilan Sacred Tree Forest in Yilan. (Photo by photographer Jminghou, Flickr CC License)

Qilan Sacred Tree Forest is home to Asia’s largest cypress grove, filled with red cypresses and Taiwan incense cedars of all sizes. Among them, 51 trees are named after historical figures. In addition to the sacred tree area, the Qilan Forest Bath Trail is another highlight. Walking among the massive sacred trees enveloped in white mist is incredibly healing and relaxing.

Leisurely & Scenic Route #3 – Fushan Botanical Garden

▲ Fushan Botanical Garden in Yilan.

Fushan Botanical Garden in Yilan is Asia’s largest botanical garden and requires advance application 40 days prior to entry. However, it’s a holiday paradise for families and seniors alike. Surrounded by mountains and shrouded in mist year-round, the garden offers a tranquil escape in nature, where you might even spot playful monkeys or shy Formosan serows playing hide-and-seek.

Grade 2: Aerobic Hiking Routes

The second-grade “aerobic hiking” routes feature more varied terrain and longer distances, suitable for hikers who are regularly active and have a certain level of fitness.

Aerobic Hiking Route #1 – Smangus

▲ Smangus in Hsinchu.

Nestled deep in the high mountains of Jianshi, the “God’s Tribe” Smangus is Taiwan’s last tribe to receive electricity and was once known as the “Black Tribe.” It is also one of Taiwan’s most remote indigenous villages. Here, you’ll find vast sacred tree groves where you can enjoy the phytoncide-rich air and see Taiwan’s third-largest sacred tree.

Aerobic Hiking Route #2 – Zhenxi Fort

▲ Zhenxi Fort in Hsinchu. (Photo by photographer Taiwan_Mountain, Flickr CC License)

In the Atayal language, “Zhenxi Fort” means the place first touched by sunlight, symbolizing abundant sunshine, which has created breathtaking sacred tree clusters. Beyond the mountain scenery, the village also houses the renowned Atayal Central Church, a holy site built brick by brick by local residents.

Aerobic Hiking Route #3 – Tefuye Ancient Trail

▲ Tefuye Ancient Trail in Chiayi.

Tefuye Ancient Trail follows the old railway line known as the “Shuishan Line,” used to transport timber in the past. Along the trail, remnants such as old tracks, trestles, and cypress bridges exude a nostalgic vibe. If you’re a fan of visual beauty, the winding path surrounded by giant trees and the feeling of walking on historic railway tracks will make you feel like you’re setting off on an adventure—sure to satisfy your sense of exploration.

Grade 3: A-Level Beginner Hiking Routes

The third-grade A-Level beginner hiking routes focus on lower-difficulty Taiwanese mountains, suitable for hikers with long-term hiking habits. However, it is recommended to wear proper hiking gear starting at this level.

‘Grade A Beginner Hiking’ Route #1 – Yushan Main Peak

▲ Yushan Main Peak in Nantou.

Yushan is the highest of Taiwan’s “Five Great Mountains” and the tallest peak in Northeast Asia. In winter, its summit is covered with snow, pure and glistening like white jade. Actually, the Yushan route is suitable for beginners. The challenge isn’t physical strength but mostly luck. Getting a spot to hike Yushan is an extremely tough task, so beginner hikers will need some good fortune if they want to go!

‘Grade A Beginner Hiking’ Route #2 – Hehuanshan Xiaqilai Grassland

▲ Hehuanshan and Xiaqilai Grassland in Nantou.

As the most cost-effective among Taiwan’s Hundred Peaks, Hehuanshan truly deserves the title. From accessibility to the hiking route, only basic hiking ability is needed to reach the summit. The journey features vast, open scenery, and as you follow the gently ascending path, you’ll find yourself immersed in the embrace of the mountains before you know it. Plus, you can complete the trip in a relaxed way by staying at a local guesthouse and enjoying authentic cuisine. Even so...
...it is still genuinely one of the Hundred Peaks.

‘Grade A Beginner Hiking’ Route #3 – Qilainan Hua

▲ Qilainan Hua in Nantou.

Most hikers tackle both “Qilai South Peak” and “Nanhua Mountain” in one go. These two Hundred Peaks can be conquered together without being overly strenuous, making it another great goal for beginner hikers besides Hehuanshan. Enter via the “Nenggao Historic Trail,” known for its gentle slopes and stunning views. Stretching out before you is an endless green carpet, surrounded by famous peaks. Words cannot express the feeling other than pure awe!

Grade Four Hiking ‘A+ Grade Beginner Hiking’ Route

A+ grade routes require long-term physical training and prior hiking experience. They are classified as A+ because simply extending the hiking duration can lower their difficulty to Grade A.

‘A+ Grade Beginner Hiking’ Route #1 – Jiaping Lake

▲ Jiaping Lake in Taitung.

Located in Taitung, Jiaping Lake sits at an altitude of 3,311 meters, making it the second-highest alpine lake in Taiwan. With its strikingly azure waters and no inflow from streams or rivers, the lake remains unfrozen year-round, earning it the nickname “Angel’s Tear” among hikers. The vivid blue of Jiaping Lake resembles a sapphire embedded in the lush green mountain range. From above, you can clearly see its beautiful oval shape. The hike from the trailhead to Xiangyang Mountain Hut is only 4 kilometers, but involves an ascent of about 560 meters, which is quite a test of endurance.

‘A+ Grade Beginner Hiking’ Route #2 – Snow Mountain Main and East Peaks

▲ Snow Mountain Main and East Peaks in Hsinchu.

As the name suggests, Snow Mountain Main and East Peaks are two peaks in the Snow Mountain range. Along the way, you’ll encounter a mysterious forest with a touch of decayed beauty, and walk along the ridge to witness the golden sunrise, where the blinding sunlight makes it hard to keep your eyes open. The journey also offers a view of a unique glacial landform from the Ice Age—the Snow Mountain Cirque. Although you can’t see the glacier itself, the sight still inspires awe at nature’s wonders.

Grade Five Hiking ‘B Grade Intermediate Hiking’ Route

B grade intermediate hiking involves rugged terrain and longer daily distances, requiring substantial physical strength. It’s suited for experienced hikers eager to explore Taiwan’s hidden hiking and camping spots.

‘B Grade Intermediate Hiking’ Route #1 – Jialuo Lake

▲ Jialuo Lake in Yilan.

Jialuo Lake boasts crystal-clear water that, when the light is right, reflects like a mirror. Coupled with the verdant surroundings, it has been praised as “pearls scattered by fairies.” As you step through towering ancient trees toward the entrance of Jialuo Lake, the mist tests your every move. First, you’re greeted by the mist-enveloped lake, whose surface shimmers with mystery under changing light. Then, as the fog clears, the mirror-like surface of Jialuo Lake emerges before you—and that moment of awe is forever etched in your heart.

‘B Grade Intermediate Hiking’ Route #2 – Songluo Lake

▲ Songluo Lake in Yilan. (Photo by Jack_Hu, Flickr CC License)

Tucked away in the rugged Snow Mountain range, Songluo Lake lies at an elevation of about 1,300 meters. Usually veiled by a thin layer of mist, the lake resembles a shy maiden—dreamlike and elusive, never revealing her full beauty. With its pure and mystical atmosphere, it has earned titles like “Heavenly Lake” and “Fairy Lake.” Many call it a “must-visit” destination.

‘B Grade Intermediate Hiking’ Route #3 – Shuiyang Forest

▲ Shuiyang Forest in Nantou. (Photo by DeanChuang, Flickr CC License)

Shuiyang Forest is hailed as Taiwan’s largest landslide-formed lake. The combination of blue sky, dead trees, and clear water—with their reflections—creates breathtaking beauty. After the challenging hike, spending the night by Shuiyang Forest means darker skies and a closer view of the starry Milky Way. Fireflies dance through the woods, ensuring even your dreams are filled with contented smiles.

More travel tips and recommendations:

Outdoor Attractions Near Taichung | TOP5 Outdoor Camping, Hiking & Hidden Gem Experiences
Innovative Local Hiking & Trekking Experiences in Yilan | Six Major Outdoor Hiking Themes
Top 10 Hikes Every Hiker Must Conquer │ The #1 Ranked Hike Isn’t Even Yushan