Taiwan Gravel Route Guide: A North-to-South Gravel Adventure Map

When people think of gravel riding, they usually picture the endless gravel roads of the American Midwest or the pastoral lanes of Europe. But Taiwan’s geography — its dense forest roads, farm roads, and country lanes — actually makes it one of Asia’s premier gravel riding destinations. This guide takes you from north to south to explore Taiwan’s finest gravel routes.

Northern Taiwan

1. Yangmingshan Zhuzihu Farm Road Loop

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner)
Distance: About 25-30 km (including paved sections)
Gravel ratio: About 40%
Elevation gain: About 600-800 m

This route centers on the farm roads around Zhuzihu, linking several well-maintained gravel sections. The surface is mostly compacted gravel, with occasional stretches of broken concrete. Along the way you can take in Zhuzihu’s pastoral scenery and views over the Taipei Basin.

Recommended tires: 35-40mm mixed tread is sufficient
Best season: October to April (avoid the crowds during hydrangea season)
Supplies: Plenty of restaurants around Zhuzihu

2. North Coast Shimen–Jinshan Farm Road

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
Distance: About 35-45 km
Gravel ratio: About 50%
Elevation gain: About 500-700 m

Starting from Shimen, ride the hillside farm roads behind the coastline toward Jinshan. This route alternates between sea views and mountain views, with gravel sections weaving through tea plantations and farmland. Some sections are quite remote, so riding with a partner is recommended.

Recommended tires: 40-42mm mixed tread
Best season: September to May
Note: The winter northeast monsoon is strong — bring windproof gear

3. Shenkeng–Shiding–Pinglin Tea Country Gravel Route

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
Distance: About 40-50 km
Gravel ratio: About 35%
Elevation gain: About 800-1000 m

This route links the farm roads and old trails between Shenkeng, Shiding, and Pinglin. It passes through numerous tea plantations, and gravel surface quality varies — some sections can be quite rough. The appeal here is escaping the city noise and venturing deep into the quiet world of northern Taiwan’s mountains.

Recommended tires: 40-45mm full knobby tires
Best season: Year-round (watch for afternoon thunderstorms in summer)

Central Taiwan

4. Miaoli Sanyi–Shengxing Station Forest Roads

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner)
Distance: About 20-30 km
Gravel ratio: About 45%
Elevation gain: About 400-600 m

Starting from Shengxing Station, explore the surrounding forest roads and farm roads. The gravel surfaces in this area are well maintained with moderate gradients, making it ideal for gravel beginners. The bike path converted from the old rail line offers a unique riding experience, with unforgettable sections through tunnels and over viaducts.

Recommended tires: 35-40mm mixed tread
Best season: Year-round
Highlight: Visit Shengxing Station and the Longteng Broken Bridge along the way

5. Nantou Sun Moon Lake–Yuchi Farm Road Network

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
Distance: About 40-60 km
Gravel ratio: About 40%
Elevation gain: About 800-1200 m

The hilly terrain around Sun Moon Lake is crisscrossed with farm roads connecting tea plantations and farms. Starting from Yuchi Township, you can plan multiple loop routes weaving through black tea plantations and betel nut groves. Some sections offer sweeping views over Sun Moon Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Recommended tires: 40-42mm mixed tread
Best season: October to April
Supplies: Several eateries in Yuchi Township

6. Taichung Dakeng–Xinshe Flower Sea Gravel Roads

Difficulty: ★★★★☆ (Advanced)
Distance: About 45-55 km
Gravel ratio: About 55%
Elevation gain: About 1000-1400 m

Entering the Xinshe area from Dakeng Scenic Area, the farm roads and forest roads along the way offer rich gravel riding opportunities. Some forest road surfaces are quite rugged, with rockfall and tree roots as obstacles, requiring some off-road skill. But the reward is the sweeping scenery deep in central Taiwan’s mountains and the peace of being far from crowds.

Recommended tires: 42-45mm full knobby tires
Best season: September to May
Note: Cell signal is poor on some sections — download offline maps in advance

Southern Taiwan

7. Tainan Zuozhen–Yujing Mango Country Gravel Tour

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner)
Distance: About 30-40 km
Gravel ratio: About 35%
Elevation gain: About 500-700 m

The farm roads in the Tainan hills are mostly dry, hard-packed gravel, with generally good surface quality. Heading from Zuozhen toward Yujing, the route passes a fossil museum, mango orchards, and badlands scenery. The dry climate of southern Taiwan keeps the gravel surfaces in good condition year-round.

Recommended tires: 35-40mm mixed tread or light tread
Best season: Year-round (watch for sun protection and hydration in summer)
Highlight: Sample fresh mangoes along the way during mango season in June-July

8. Pingtung Hengchun Peninsula Gravel Adventure

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
Distance: About 50-70 km
Gravel ratio: About 45%
Elevation gain: About 600-900 m

The varied terrain and diverse surfaces of the Hengchun Peninsula make it one of the most spectacular gravel routes in southern Taiwan. Starting from Hengchun Town, ride south along the farm roads on the peninsula’s east side, then return along the west side after passing Longpan Park. The gravel sections along the coastline are stunningly scenic, but watch for the strong “Luoshan wind” (falling mountain wind).

Recommended tires: 40-42mm mixed tread
Best season: October to April (avoid summer heat and the Luoshan wind season)
Note: Few supply points along the route — bring plenty of water

Eastern Taiwan

9. Hualien Ruisui–Yuli Rift Valley Gravel Boulevard

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner)
Distance: About 50-80 km
Gravel ratio: About 30%
Elevation gain: About 300-500 m

The East Rift Valley is a dream route for gravel riding in Taiwan. Between Ruisui and Yuli, ride the farm roads and levee roads along both sides of the Xiuguluan River — the flat terrain and open views make for thoroughly enjoyable riding. The gravel sections are mostly well-compacted levee surfaces beside the riverbed.

Recommended tires: 35-40mm mixed tread
Best season: Year-round (watch for sun protection in summer)
Highlight: Combine the ride with Ruisui hot springs, Yuli noodles, and Indigenous villages along the way

10. Taitung Luye–Chishang Pastoral Gravel Route

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner)
Distance: About 35-50 km
Gravel ratio: About 35%
Elevation gain: About 300-500 m

Starting from Luye Highland, ride the farm roads between the Luliao River and Beinan River toward Chishang. This route’s highlight is riding through vast rice paddies, with golden waves of rice unfurling on both sides against the backdrop of the Central Mountain Range — one of Taiwan’s most beautiful gravel riding views.

Recommended tires: 35-40mm mixed tread
Best season: May-June (first rice crop turns golden) and October-November (second rice crop turns golden)
Highlight: Chishang bento, Bolang Avenue, Luye Highland

Route Planning Tools and Resources

Recommended Tools

• Komoot: The best app for gravel route planning, showing surface types
• Ride with GPS: Detailed route planning and elevation analysis
• Google Earth: Street View lets you preview road conditions
• Strava Global Heatmap: See where other riders have ridden

Route Information Sources

• Taiwan Gravel Riding groups (Facebook)
• Local hiking trail and old trail information (some old trails suit gravel bikes)
• Forestry Bureau forest road information

Safety Notes

1. Tell someone: Let family or friends know your route and expected return time before you leave
2. Bring offline maps: Cell signal in mountain areas is unreliable — always preload offline maps
3. Carry enough supplies: Remote sections may have no supply points for dozens of kilometers
4. Watch the weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Taiwan’s mountains, and gravel roads can turn muddy after rain
5. Basic repair skills: At minimum, know how to change an inner tube and adjust brakes

Conclusion

Though Taiwan is small in area, its elevation range — from sea level to nearly 4,000 meters — creates astonishing terrain diversity. The farm roads linking villages, the forest roads reaching deep into the mountains, and the levee paths following rivers are all secret worlds waiting to be explored on a gravel bike.

You don’t need to fly to the US or Europe — Taiwan already offers a world-class gravel riding experience. Grab your bike, pick a route, and start your gravel adventure.

Related Reading

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