When it comes to Yilan's mountains, many people's first impression is the sea of clouds and the bouncing train at Taiping Mountain. However, Yilan's hiking trails are far more than just that. As someone who has explored northern Taiwan for years, I must say that Yilan's trails have a distinctive characteristic—they are not as awe-inspiringly grand as Taroko Gorge in Hualien, but they carry an approachable elegance. Moreover, they are deeply intertwined with Atayal culture, with many trail names originating from the Atayal language.
This article doesn't use flashy titles like "Top Ten Hidden Gems"—it simply recommends several trails that I've personally hiked and found worthwhile, divided into three categories: easy walks for beginners, moderate difficulty waterfall routes, and slightly challenging advanced routes. This way, people of different fitness levels can all find options that suit them.
Linmei Shiping Trail is one of the most suitable trails for beginners in Yilan. Located in Linmei Village, Jiaoxi Township, this trail is approximately 1.8 kilometers long. The surface is mainly composed of stone slabs and gravel, making it comfortable to walk on and easy on the knees. Along the way, you'll pass a particularly distinctive large stone slab, which is where the "Shiping" (stone slab) in the name comes from. The entire trail is almost entirely shaded by trees, so it's not too hot in summer, and when the mist rolls in during winter, it creates a wonderful atmosphere. This trail is quite approachable—people of average fitness can complete it in a little over an hour at a leisurely pace. After the hike, you can go to Jiaoxi for a hot spring soak, making it a perfect half-day outing. Admission is free, and parking is convenient.
Wufengqi Waterfall Trail is Yilan's most famous waterfall trail and a top choice for many families. Located in the Wufengqi Scenic Area in Jiaoxi, it takes about 40 minutes to an hour to walk from the entrance to the third-tier waterfall at the top. The route isn't too long, but there are stairs and elevation gain, so it does require some physical effort. The three tiers of waterfalls each have their own unique character—the first tier is the most accessible, the second has the strongest flow, and the third is the tallest but with less water. Personally, I recommend stopping at the second tier, where there's a viewing platform where the waterfall's mist sprays up—it's especially refreshing on summer days. The downside is that it gets very crowded on weekends, so if you want to avoid the crowds, I suggest arriving before 8 AM. Parking costs NT$100, and admission is free.
Xinliao Waterfall Trail is in Dongshan Township and has become a very popular water-themed trail in recent years. The total length is about 900 meters, and it takes roughly an hour to complete the round trip—it's a very short route but offers ample scenery. The endpoint is Xinliao Waterfall, which has two tiers and stands about 30 meters high. When the water flow is abundant, it's quite spectacular. The highlight of this trail is that it follows the stream throughout, with the stream's scent and coolness accompanying you the entire way—both visually and audibly rewarding. During the dry season in winter, the water volume decreases significantly, which diminishes the visual impact, so I recommend visiting during the wet season (summer and autumn). Parking is convenient here, and admission is also free.
If you've already hiked the trails above and are looking for something more challenging, consider the Songluo Trail. Located in Songluo Village, Datong Township, this trail was formerly a hunting path for the Atayal Songluo tribe. It's approximately 2 kilometers long, and you'll need to cross the stream several times, so be careful of slipping. The endpoint is Songluo Lake, a high mountain lake surrounded by mountains with mist often drifting across its surface, creating a mysterious beauty. The difficulty of this trail lies in some sections requiring rope climbing, and the weather can change rapidly—rain in Yilan's mountains comes without warning. After rain, the trails become slippery, so be especially careful. This trail is recommended for those with previous hiking experience, and bringing rain gear and a headlamp is essential. Admission is free, but you need to register in advance with Taiping Mountain Lodge or relevant authorities.
The final trail is the slightly more difficult Quantoumu Trail, also located in Sanshing Township. The trail's name is interesting—it comes from a large boulder along the path that resembles a fist. The total length is about 3 kilometers, with moderate elevation gain. Along the way, you'll pass through bamboo groves, cedar forests, and collapse zones, offering diverse terrain. This trail sees much fewer hikers, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the tranquil solitude of the mountains alone.
When it comes to the best season for hiking in Yilan, I personally recommend spring and autumn. In spring (March to May), azaleas bloom beautifully along the trails; in autumn (October to November), the weather is stable with less rain and easier trail conditions. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms to the mountain areas—rain in Yilan comes without warning, and it rains for about half the year, so rain gear is essential. Winter (December to February) is damp and cold, but if you want to combine hiking with a hot spring trip, it's actually a perfect match—there's nothing more comfortable than finishing a hike and soaking in a hot spring.
Regarding transportation, if you don't have a car, you can take a train from Taipei to Luodong Station or Jiaoxi Station. Trains run frequently, and it takes just over an hour by local train. You can rent motorcycles at both Luodong and Jiaoxi stations—it's the most convenient option. If you're driving, it takes about 40 minutes from Taipei via the Snow Mountain Tunnel to reach Jiaoxi, or about an hour to Luodong. National Highway No. 5 often experiences traffic congestion on weekends, so I recommend leaving early or avoiding peak hours.
Finally, a few tips: Yilan's mountain trails are often slippery due to the humid climate, so choose non-slip shoes. If you're going in summer, remember to bring mosquito repellent—mountain mosquitoes can be quite persistent. Also, mobile signal may be lost in some sections of Yilan's mountain areas, so hiking with companions is the safer choice. If you want to combine hiking with food, I recommend visiting Luodong Night Market for some local snacks after your hike, or soaking in a hot spring at the Jiaoxi Hot Spring area—both make perfect endings.
To summarize, while Yilan's hiking trails may not be as spectacular as those in the Central Mountain Range, their advantages are their approachability, accessibility, and excellent combination with hot springs and cuisine. Whether you're a beginner just looking for a relaxing walk or a seasoned hiker seeking challenges, Yilan has a route that suits you.
