Snow Mountain National Park Autumn Tour: Explore 4 Hidden Maple Viewing Spots

As maple leaves gradually turn red across the regions, they also bring the message of autumn to Taiwan. Right now, Snow Mountain National Park is shedding its emerald attire and greeting travelers from all over with a brand-new fiery red outfit. When visiting Snow Mountain in autumn for some highland exploration, you can venture deep into the Smangus forest to admire the spectacular Grandpa God Tree maple sweetgum ecosystem, head to Zhenxi Fort’s giant tree group to chase the fall foliage, stroll through the misty forests of Guanwu to enjoy the magnificent mountain views and vibrant red maples, or visit Wuling to see layers of crimson foliage dotting the hillsides and observe the ecology of the Formosan landlocked salmon.

The average temperature in Smangus is around 15 degrees Celsius. Throughout the year, mountain cherries, smiling flowers, Pleione, bamboo orchids, and Mrs. Simmons’ rhododendron bloom in succession. The autumn red foliage is equally breathtaking. You can also take a walk along the Giant Tree Group (Yaya Qparung) trail to admire the spectacular red cypress giants and experience the rich ecology of the mid-elevation forest.

During the autumn and winter maple viewing season, Zhenxi Fort not only dazzles with its brilliant red foliage but also offers sights along the way such as Neiwan, Yu’lao sea of clouds, Lidong Mountain, visits to ancient forts, and tours of Xinguang Tribe. Additionally, you can venture into the undeveloped primeval forest: the Zhenxi Fort Giant Tree Group, where about 50 sacred trees, including red cypress, incense cedar, and Hinoki cypress, grow. The seasons are distinct, and the scenery changes dramatically.

The scenery of the Guanwu Recreation Area lives up to its name, with clouds and mist lingering all year round. The area features several trails for sightseeing and hiking. Among them, the Cypress Mountain Giant Tree Trail is lined with dense stands of Japanese cedar, and in the middle section, five-thousand-year-old red cypresses stand tall among the woods. In slightly sunny and humid areas along the trail, yellow, purple, and Impatiens textori flowers bloom in succession, giving visitors a chance to see all three types of balsams. In addition, the newly opened “Guanwu Salamander Ecological Center” last year and the fiery red maple leaves add both intellectual and emotional romantic beauty to Guanwu.

Tokyo Maple Season Begins in November: Must-Visit Famous Spots for Red Leaves