Taiwan Gravel Route Recommendations: Cycling Adventures Off the Asphalt

What is Gravel Riding?

Gravel riding is a cycling style that sits between road cycling and mountain biking, using gravel bikes with knobby tires on mixed surfaces (pavement + gravel roads + mountain trails). It has rapidly gained popularity in Taiwan in recent years because Taiwan has countless suitable industrial roads and mountain paths.

Why Choose Gravel?

• Explore More Places: Reach areas that roads cannot access
• Less Traffic Hassle: Industrial roads have fewer vehicles
• More Adventurous: The unpredictability makes every ride different
• More Pristine Natural Scenery: Raw mountain forests far from pavement

Recommended Gravel Routes in Taiwan

Hsinchu County Road 120 Forest Route

• Total Distance: Approximately 30-50K (depending on route extension)
• Surface: Mixed pavement and gravel
• Highlights: Passes through indigenous villages in Jianshi Township, with cedar forest scenery
• Challenge: Some sections are steep, requiring bike pushing or advanced skills
• Supplies: Start from Zhudong city center; small shops available in villages along the way

Nantou Xinyi Township Mountain Route

• Total Distance: Approximately 40-60K
• Surface: Primarily gravel industrial roads
• Highlights: Plum orchards, high-mountain tea plantations, indigenous flavors
• Best Season: February-March for plum blossom season, April-May for azalea season
• Note: Some sections require a 4WD vehicle to access

Miaoli Wenshui to Tai’an Route

• Total Distance: Approximately 25-40K
• Surface: Riverside gravel roads and industrial roads
• Highlights: Daan River valley scenery, Tai’an hot springs
• Suitable For: Intermediate and above gravel riders
• Bonus: Soak in the hot springs at Tai’an after the ride

Yilan Cuifeng Lake Route

• Total Distance: Approximately 30K (from Tuding)
• Surface: Mixed pavement and dirt roads
• Highlights: Taiwan’s largest alpine lake
• Restrictions: Vehicle access is controlled; confirm opening hours
• Scenery: ★★★★★

Gravel Gear Recommendations

Safety Precautions

Gravel riding carries higher risks than road cycling:

1. Cell Signal: Mountain areas may have no signal; inform family of your route
2. Plenty of Spares: Bring an extra tube and repair tools
3. Check the Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly; roads can be slippery after rain
4. Ride with Others: Avoid riding unfamiliar routes alone whenever possible
5. Know Your Limits: Gravel routes consume 20-30% more energy than road routes

How to Start Gravel Riding

Step 1: Know Your Bike

Not all road bikes are suitable for gravel. You need to confirm:

• Whether the fork clearance can accommodate 35mm+ tires
• Whether the wheels support tubeless setup
• Whether the frame has rack mounting points

Step 2: Choose an Entry-Level Route

Start on suburban bike paths or mixed surfaces to get used to the feel of riding on different terrain.

Step 3: Join the Gravel Community

Taiwan has more and more gravel communities. You can find like-minded riders on Facebook and Instagram to explore new routes together.

Gravel riding represents a spirit of riding without limits—there are no fixed routes, only endless possibilities for exploration.

Related Reading

• Taiwan Gravel Route Guide: A Gravel Adventure Map from North to South
• Gravel Bike Off-Road Riding: The Rise of Gravel Roads and Taiwan Routes
• Gravel Bike Beginner’s Guide: The Perfect Balance Between Road Bikes and Mountain Bikes
• Romance and Reality on Gravel Roads: A Gravel Riding Adventure in Taiwan’s Mountains