“103k National Parks Mega Hike” – Explore the Mountains and Feel the Pulse of Nature

▲The “National Parks Week – 103k National Parks Mega Hike” event invites the public to explore the national parks and immerse themselves in uniquely stunning natural wonders. (Photo / Courtesy of Taiwan National Parks Parks Taiwan Facebook page, photo by Qiu Jiazhong)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

To encourage greater public awareness of national parks and related environmental issues, the Ministry of the Interior has once again organizedthe “National Parks Week – 103k National Parks Mega Hike”event, allowing participants to experience hiking and recreational activities in diverse natural landscapes, get closer to the national parks, and recognize the importance of environmental conservation.

The “103k National Parks Mega Hike” event adopts a points-based system where participants can exchange accumulated mileage points for souvenirs. People can first collect free event passports at various national park administration offices or visitor centers, or download them from the official website. They can then hike along 38 designated trails in the national parks and visit 49 tourist spots specified on the event’s official website, stamping their passports to accumulate mileage. Each national park also offers 22 innovative recreational activities that earn points, such as Taroko National Park’s “Taroko Mini Tours Series” and Kenting’s “Day/Night Intertidal Zone Exploration.” The Marine National Park Headquarters has also specially launched activities in June, including snorkeling at Dongyuping and eco-experiences on Dongji Islet, giving participants a chance to uncover the mysteries of the Southern Four Islands of Penghu.

The “103k National Parks Mega Hike” event runs from now until September 30. Participants can accumulate mileage during the event period and mail their completed passports to the organizer for verification by October 6. Those who accumulate more than 103 points will receive commemorative items such as luggage straps and finisher medals. Detailed information on point-accumulating trails and event content can be found on the“2014 National Parks Week” official websiteorofficial fan page.