I have a few days off soon and was thinking of going for a little walk.
I would rather not be bothered with permits or group tours, I don’t mind carrying and cooking my own food, and would much rather sleep outside or in my tent than crowd into a mountain hut or hostel. I’m not really too concerned with seeing any real scenic sites, i just need to clear my head for a bit.
i know hong kong has some great paths but if there are any here i haven’t been able to find them.
If anyone knows of anything please drop a post.
thanks in advance
ag
Go to Caoling Historical trail, it’s mentioned in the sticky Hiking, outdoor adventures thread. It’s possible to extend that to two days or more if you turn right at the ridge line and follow the ridge. Bracing views of the Pacific there might clear your head. You might find other ideas on the abovementioned thread too. This coming weekend will be busy with the extended holidays, otherwise I’d recommend going further south.
First of all where are you? In the north or south?
If north, I would also suggest Full Moon Park (Manyeuyuan). Beautiful area with large stands of cedars including some ancient giants over 2000 years old. Lots of trails to explore.
You could hike there from Wulai for a longer trip. It’s six hours from Wulai to near the beginning of the park (you’d have to walk on a road for 2 km or so). You can camp in the park in a number of places. There’s water everywhere.
Once in the park you could take the route over Full Moon Mountain. On the third day walk to the old trees then over to Fuxing on the North Cross Highway.
There’s also a trail connecting Manyueyuan with another park Dongyenshan. It’s 4 hours to complete one way. There are several trails in Dongyenshan as well. But along the path you’ll see lots of side routes including the long hike up Chatianshan.
The main trail is wide and clear, the side trails clear and marked. I suggest you buy a copy of Taipei Day Trips II at Eslite. The hikes from Wulai to Manyueyuan area, the Full Moon Mountain Hike, and the hike to the old trees and down to Xiao Wulai (and Fuxing Village), are all listed. You could easily do 3-4 days here. I’ve been looking at doing this route myself in November so I can give you all the info I have researched if you want.
Also, you can do some of those trails starting from Xoai Wulai. I did one from Xiao wulai to athe base of Beicha Tianshan 2 weeks ago and it was a very good hike. I would prefer this starting point to Dongyanshan, as you have 2km on a gravel road before you hit the beautiful trails. Also, if you want to do Beicha Tianshan in 1 day, Trailhead 3 from Xiao wulai would be the best place to start.
Hmmm, if you are in Kaohsiung, my only idea is to get up to the South Cross-Island Hwy and climb the peak, just below Kuan Shan, KuHaNurShinShan. You could do that in 4 days although two days would be on the road. I don’t know if you have your own wheels. There are places nearer Kaohsiung like Maolin and Sandimen that have very nice back trails, but you you need permits. Don’t forget it’s cold at night in the mountains, and you need a tent and protection from the rain.
Because of your signature I assume you’re in Kaoshiung. (Pei) Dawushan is a close 2 day hike in Pingdong county that you could do. You’d probably need a good map to find the place.
The road up the mountain would be better approached on a scooter than a car as it’s very narrow in places. There are ropes on the track (some are near the entrance and others are close to the summit) as there are some steep rocks that you need to cross. There is a hut and it is unlikely to be crowded. When I went we took a tent with the intention of but ended up not using it.