Taiwan’s Top 10 Mountain Bike Trails: An Off-Road Paradise from North to South

Introduction: Taiwan, an Underrated Mountain Biking Paradise

This small island of Taiwan is home to more than 200 peaks over 3,000 meters, with terrain ranging from coastal plains to alpine forests. For mountain bikers, that means within just a few hours’ drive you can ride from subtropical red-clay forest roads to temperate alpine trails.

Even so, Taiwan’s mountain biking culture is still developing, and many excellent trails remain largely undiscovered. This article picks ten mountain bike routes from north to south — whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned rider looking for a challenge, you’ll find something suited to you here.

Note: Some routes may require a permit to enter mountain areas in advance, or you may need to confirm current access conditions. Please check the latest information before you set out.

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No. 1: Sun Moon Lake Loop Forest Road System, Nantou

Route Information

• Location: Yuchi Township, Nantou County
• Total Length: About 35 km (can be split into segments)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: About 800 m
• Best Season: Year-round (most comfortable in winter)
• Surface Type: Gravel forest road, some singletrack

Route Highlights

The forest road network around Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s most well-developed mountain bike route systems. Multiple forest roads branch off from the lake-circling highway, passing through betel nut groves, tea plantations, and primeval forest, with views that alternate between wide-open panoramas of the lake and quiet passages through cedar woods.

The Maolan Mountain Trail and the forest road sections near the Shueishe Dashan trailhead are especially worth trying. The surface is mostly hard-packed gravel with occasional root-covered stretches, suitable for riders with some basic off-road experience.

Practical Tips

We recommend starting from the Shueishe Visitor Center and bringing plenty of water and food. Cell signal is weak on some sections, so download offline maps in advance.

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No. 2: Fushan Forest Road, Wulai, New Taipei

Route Information

• Location: Wulai District, New Taipei City
• Total Length: About 25 km (one way)
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Elevation Gain: About 600 m
• Best Season: October through April (avoid the rainy season)
• Surface Type: Gravel forest road, some dirt track

Route Highlights

Fushan Forest Road is the off-road route most familiar to riders in northern Taiwan. Starting from Wulai Old Street, it follows the Nanshi River deep into the mountains, passing through Atayal indigenous villages and primeval forest. Along the way there are several stream crossings, so in summer you can cool off with a dip.

The terrain becomes wilder in the second half of the route, requiring good fitness and technical skill. The gravel surface occasionally has significant drops and slippery wooden bridges, so full protective gear is recommended.

Practical Tips

A permit is required to enter the section within the Fushan Botanical Garden. It’s best to ride with at least one other person, and check the weather before setting out — the surface gets very slippery after rain, so it’s not recommended to go then.

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No. 3: Dasyueshan Forest Road, Taichung

Route Information

• Location: Heping District, Taichung City
• Total Length: About 50 km (full length of Dasyueshan Forest Road)
• Difficulty: Moderate (mostly forest road with gentle grades)
• Elevation Gain: About 2,000 m (from Dongshi to Anma Mountain Lodge)
• Best Season: Year-round (cool and pleasant in summer)
• Surface Type: Mixed pavement and gravel

Route Highlights

Dasyueshan Forest Road climbs from Dongshi at roughly 500 m elevation all the way up to the Dasyueshan Forest Recreation Area at 2,600 m. Along the way it passes through warm-temperate broadleaf forest and cool-temperate conifer forest, with dramatically varied ecological scenery.

For mountain biking, you can branch off onto several side trails for wilder riding. Between the 35K and 43K markers there are several unmarked singletrack sections that are a paradise for advanced riders.

Practical Tips

The total elevation gain is substantial, so it’s best to split the ride over two days, staying overnight at Anma Mountain Lodge or the Xiaoxueshan visitor information station. Temperatures drop noticeably above 2,000 m, so bring warm clothing even in summer.

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No. 4: Ruisui Forest Road Network, Hualien

Route Information

• Location: Ruisui Township, Hualien County
• Total Length: About 20 km (multiple routes linked together)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: About 500 m
• Best Season: October through May
• Surface Type: Red-clay forest road, gravel road

Route Highlights

The forest road network around Ruisui is known for its red-clay surfaces, which offer excellent grip when dry but become quite challenging, muddy tracks after rain. The forest roads pass through pineapple fields, betel nut groves, and low-elevation broadleaf forest, full of the wild charm unique to Taiwan’s east coast.

The tea-plantation forest roads around the Wuhe Tableland are the most popular sections — rolling terrain paired with sweeping views along the Tropic of Cancer keep every pedal stroke feeling worthwhile.

Practical Tips

After the ride, you can soak in the Ruisui hot springs to wash away the day’s fatigue. The red-clay surface is hard on tires and drivetrain components, so be sure to clean your bike thoroughly when you get home.

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No. 5: Dongyanshan Forest Road, Taoyuan

Route Information

• Location: Fuxing District, Taoyuan City
• Total Length: About 15 km
• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
• Elevation Gain: About 400 m
• Best Season: Year-round
• Surface Type: Gravel forest road, boardwalk trail

Route Highlights

The forest road network within the Dongyanshan Forest Recreation Area is very well suited to mountain bike beginners. The surface is well maintained, the grade is moderate, and there’s a comprehensive signage system throughout. The singletrack sections among the Japanese cedar groves have a wonderful atmosphere, almost like riding through a Japanese forest.

Parts of the self-guided trail and the Forest Discovery Trail can be ridden, though you’ll need to watch for and yield to hikers. The view from Dongyanshan’s triangulation point is excellent — on clear days you can see all the way to the Taipei Basin.

Practical Tips

An admission ticket to the forest recreation area is required. It gets crowded on weekends, so it’s best to go on a weekday or early in the morning.

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No. 6: Alishan Forest Road Branches, Chiayi

Route Information

• Location: Alishan Township, Chiayi County
• Total Length: About 30 km (combination of several branch roads)
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Elevation Gain: About 1,200 m
• Best Season: October through April
• Surface Type: Gravel forest road, dirt singletrack

Route Highlights

Along the Alishan Highway there are several little-known logging branch roads — built back in the day for timber extraction, they’ve since become a hidden gem for mountain bikers. Parts of the Tefuye Historic Trail are rideable, winding through bamboo groves and cloud-wreathed sections that feel almost dreamlike.

The temperate forest between 1,500 and 2,500 m elevation is stunning, with autumn foliage and spring cherry blossoms adding even more joy to the ride.

Practical Tips

Weather changes quickly at high elevation, so be sure to bring a windproof and waterproof jacket. Some sections require carrying your bike, so it’s best to go when you’re well rested and have plenty of energy.

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No. 7: Around Sheding Nature Park, Kenting, Pingtung

Route Information

• Location: Hengchun Township, Pingtung County
• Total Length: About 12 km
• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
• Elevation Gain: About 200 m
• Best Season: October through April (avoid the intense heat)
• Surface Type: Coral reef limestone, red clay

Route Highlights

There are several unique mountain bike routes around Kenting’s Sheding Nature Park, passing through uplifted coral reef limestone terrain and tropical coastal forest. The landscape here is completely different from anywhere else in Taiwan — rugged rocky surfaces and dense tropical vegetation give you the feeling of riding somewhere in Southeast Asia.

The coastal forest road extending from Sheding Park to Eluanbi lets you soak in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean as you ride.

Practical Tips

The limestone terrain is hard on tires, so tires with thicker sidewalls are recommended. Summer temperatures are extremely high, so be sure to bring plenty of water.

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No. 8: Taipingshan Cuifeng Lake Loop Trail, Yilan

Route Information

• Location: Datong Township, Yilan County
• Total Length: About 18 km (including connecting roads)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: About 500 m
• Best Season: May through October
• Surface Type: Gravel forest road, some trail

Route Highlights

The forest road network in the Taipingshan area preserves a large number of logging railway beds from the Japanese colonial era, and these gentle grades are wonderfully suited to mountain biking. Cuifeng Lake is Taiwan’s largest alpine lake, and the misty forest along its shore has a mysterious, enchanting atmosphere.

The forest road sections near the Jianqing Historic Trail (partial sections) and the Beech Trail are a double paradise for photographers and mountain bikers alike.

Practical Tips

The Taipingshan area frequently gets fog and rain, so waterproof gear is essential. An admission ticket to the forest recreation area is required, and it’s best to book accommodation in advance.

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No. 9: Around Huoyanshan, Sanyi, Miaoli

Route Information

• Location: Sanyi Township, Miaoli County
• Total Length: About 10 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: About 350 m
• Best Season: Year-round (avoid the day right after rain)
• Surface Type: Red clay, gravel, some sandstone

Route Highlights

The red-clay routes around the Huoyanshan Nature Reserve are a popular practice ground for riders in central Taiwan. The distinctive red gravel terrain, paired with striking erosion features, delivers a real visual impact.

The route includes several steep climbing and descending technical sections, making it an excellent place to practice climbing and descending skills. The forest roads through the surrounding orchards also offer a more relaxed riding option.

Practical Tips

Huoyanshan is a nature reserve, and some areas are off-limits — please be sure to follow the relevant regulations. The red-clay surface becomes extremely muddy after rain, so wait until it’s fully dry before heading out.

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No. 10: Dulan Mountain Forest Road, Taitung

Route Information

• Location: Donghe Township, Taitung County
• Total Length: About 15 km
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Elevation Gain: About 700 m
• Best Season: October through May
• Surface Type: Gravel forest road, dirt road

Route Highlights

Dulan Mountain is Taitung’s sacred mountain and traditional territory of the Amis people. Starting from the former Dulan Sugar Factory, the forest road climbs steadily, passing through the transition zone between tropical and subtropical forest. Looking back toward the Pacific from higher elevations, on clear days you can see Green Island and Orchid Island distinctly — an unforgettable sight.

The forest road surface varies widely, from smooth gravel to rugged rocky sections, putting a rider’s all-around skills to the test.

Practical Tips

This route holds cultural significance, so please ride with respect. Some sections may require carrying your bike, so it’s best to travel light. Watching the sunset at Dulan Beach after the ride is the perfect way to end the day.

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Pre-Ride Checklist

Whichever route you choose, you should bring the following with you:

• Helmet (full-face preferred) and protective gear
• At least 2 liters of drinking water
• Basic repair tools and a spare tube
• First-aid kit
• Phone (fully charged) with offline maps
• Windproof and waterproof jacket
• Enough food and energy supplements

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Conclusion

There’s still so much of Taiwan’s mountain biking waiting to be explored. These ten routes are just a starting point — as your skills and experience grow, you’ll discover even more hidden treasures in the mountains.

Most importantly, wherever you ride, follow forest road etiquette, respect the environment, and stay safe. Let’s work together to protect this beautiful mountain biking paradise.

Related Reading

• A Cyclist’s Travel Philosophy: 36 Ways to Explore Taiwan by Bike
• The Complete Guide to Cycling Tourism in Taiwan: The East Coast Route and the Sun Moon Lake Loop
• Hidden Cycling Gems in Taiwan: 10 Little-Known, Breathtaking Routes
• The Complete Guide to the Sun Moon Lake Loop: Distance, Elevation, and Aid Stations in Detail