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Taiwan is blessed with abundant natural resources, featuring not only 10 national parks but also numerous national forest recreation areas where you can immerse yourself in nature. On weekends, you can head to these forest recreation areas for a refreshing outing. Stroll along the designated trails, connect with the mountains and forests, enjoy the stunning scenery, and let nature heal your often-stressed mind and body.

Recommended National Forest Recreation Areas Across Taiwan

太平山國家森林遊樂區 Taroko National Park

In Yilan’s Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, you can find abundant forest resources, including valuable tree species such as cypress and Taiwan beech. In addition to preserving its pristine forest landscape, the park offers several trails for visitors to explore, including the nostalgic Muxing Trail, the Cuifeng Lake Circular Trail, and the cypress primeval forest trail. The park’s Taipingshan Villa also provides accommodation services, so if you want to spend more time exploring the area or immerse yourself in the mountain environment, you can choose to stay overnight.

• Address: No. 58-1, Taiping Lane, Datong Township, Yilan County
• Hours: Monday to Friday 06:00-20:00, Saturday and Sunday 04:00-20:00
• Contact Phone: +886 39 809 619 (Ticket Office)
• Facebook: Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area

觀霧國家森林遊樂區 Guanwu National Forest

The Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area features a variety of trails, including the Guanwu Waterfall Trail, the Zhen Mountain Trail, and the Cypress Giant Trees Trail. Each trail offers different natural attractions, such as waterfalls, sacred ridges, and cypress forests. You can choose a trail based on your time and physical condition, allowing you to exercise while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

• Address: No. 1-3, Guanwu, Meiyuan Village, Tai’an Township, Miaoli County
• Hours: 08:00-17:00
• Contact Phone: +886 37 272 917
• Facebook: Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area

大雪山國家森林遊樂區 Xueshan Forest Recreation Area

The Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area spans a vast area and offers different natural beauty throughout the seasons. In spring, you can enjoy blooming cherry blossoms; in summer, the lush greenery; in autumn, the vibrant red maple leaves; and in winter, the possibility of snow scenery. Additionally, Dasyueshan features several park trails, such as the Wooden Horse Trail, the Tianchi Trail, the Yarkou Scenic Trail, and the Snow Mountain Sacred Tree Trail. Along these trails, you can experience various landscapes and connect with nature.

• Address: No. 18, Xueshan Road, Heping District, Taichung City
• Hours: 06:30-17:00
• Contact Phone: +886 4 2587 7901
• Facebook: Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area

阿里山國家森林遊樂區 Alishan Forest

Located in Chiayi, the Alishan Forest Recreation Area is renowned for its sunrise views, a sea of clouds, ancient trees, and forest railway. During cherry blossom season, the area is adorned with blooming Yoshino cherries, attracting many visitors for flower viewing. The park features towering cypress forests, where strolling through can provide not only the benefits of phytoncides but also a refreshing forest bath experience, helping to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body. Whether you choose to walk or ride the train, you can enjoy the embrace of nature amidst the mountains and forests.

• Address: No. 59, Alishan Township, Chiayi County
• Hours: Open 24 hours year-round
• Contact Phone: +886 5 267 9917 (Daytime), +886 5 267 9715 (Nighttime)
• Facebook: Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

藤枝國家遊樂區 Tengjhih Forest Recreation Area

Known as “Little Creek Head,” the Tengjhih National Forest Recreation Area in Kaohsiung was once an experimental forest for Kyoto University, which is why it features tree species such as Japanese cedar and Hinoki cypress. The park has well-planned trails, including the Begonia Trail, the Spruce Trail, and the Xishi Flower Trail. While absorbing the phytoncides from the forest, visitors can also enjoy flower viewing during the blooming season and take in the surrounding natural beauty while hiking.

• Address: No. 150, Baoshan Lane, Taoyuan District, Kaohsiung City
• Hours: 08:00-17:00
• Contact Phone: +886 7 689 3118
• Facebook: Tengjhih National Forest Recreation Area

雙流國家森林遊樂區 Shuangliu Forest Recreation Area

The most famous feature of the Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area is the approximately 20-meter-high “Shuangliu Waterfall.” The cascading waterfall is quite spectacular, and you can enjoy the negative ions near the falls. To reach the waterfall, you can follow the waterfall trail within the park. Additionally, the park offers trails of varying difficulty levels. Beginners can start with the Waterfall Trail or the White Banyan Trail, while those who are more active may want to try the more challenging Mountain Trail or Hat Mountain Trail.

• Address: No. 23, Lane 2, Dan Road, Shizi Township, Pingtung County
• Hours: 08:00-17:00
• Contact Phone: +886 8 870 1393
• Facebook: Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area

知本國家森林遊樂區 Jhihben National Forest Recreation Area

The Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area in Taitung spans over 100 hectares and boasts a rich natural ecology. The park features various trails, including scenic trails, forest bath trails, and the Haohan Slope Trail. It also offers a range of recreational facilities such as foot massage streams, a suspension bridge, and a hot spring rest area. This makes it a perfect destination for families to connect with nature and enjoy playful activities in a natural setting.

• Address: No. 290, Longquan Road, Beinan Township, Taitung County
• Hours: 07:30-17:00
• Contact Phone: +886 8 951 0961
• Facebook: Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area

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