Autumn Urban Green Travel: Top 10 Mountain-Friendly Hiking Trails in Taipei for a Lively Getaway

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team, compiled and reported

As the season gradually deepens into late autumn, the sunlight is no longer scorching, and the air turns from muggy to cool—making it the perfect time to connect with nature. The Taipei City Government recommends 10 hiking trails. Take advantage of the crisp weather, hit the trails to the suburbs, briefly escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and fully enjoy the beauty of the mountains and forests.

Located in Xinyi District, the “Elephant Mountain Trail” is easily accessible—you can take the Xinyi Line of the MRT to Exit 2 of Elephant Mountain Station, then enter via the Lingyun Temple trailhead to reach the trail. The path passes scenic spots such as the One-Line Sky, Stone Milk Garden, Six Huge Rocks, and a photography platform, offering panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the bustling Xinyi District. The wide-open vistas are refreshing and uplifting. Also in Xinyi District, the “Tiger Mountain Stream Trail,” revitalized through ecological engineering, now features clear water and rich amphibian ecology, making it ideal for a lively outdoor experience in Taipei’s mountains.

The “Cui Mountain Trail” in Shilin District was transformed from a former police shooting range. With ecological conservation in mind, the Department of Urban Development preserved the trail’s natural state. The area is very tranquil and offers a new weekend option for getting close to nature. It also connects to the “Green Stream Trail,” where the forest is denser and alongside the trail you’ll find a “Tetris”-inspired structure made from repurposed discarded railway sleepers. In addition, look out for four playing card-themed platforms featuring the “Spade, Heart, Diamond, and Club” symbols to add fun to your mountain adventure.