Guishan Maple Tree Pit Trail Introduction
Maple Tree Pit Mountain Trail is one of the many hiking trails in Taoyuan's Hutoushan. The trailhead is located at the end of Alley 281, Guangfeng Road in Maple Tree Village. Entering from here, you first pass by the side gate of Maple Tree Elementary School, then continue up the roadway beside Fude Temple to reach the Zhenwu Temple, which enshrines Xuantian Shangdi. The temple environment is serene and is a great place to visit; beside the temple, there is a straight wooden stairway that marks the beginning of the Maple Tree Pit Mountain Trail. Ascending along this wooden stairway and traversing through the forest brings you to a vast area of miscanthus grass, which is best enjoyed in late autumn when the flowers are in full bloom. The billowing white flower spikes are particularly striking, transforming the landscape into a sea of clouds, making it one of the most beautiful views after autumn begins. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the elegant miscanthus grass is also a pioneer species that thrives in sunny, bare soil, making it vital for protecting the land with its resilient root system, safeguarding against potential landslides due to rain or wind. After leaving the waving miscanthus behind, your gaze will be drawn to the Guishan No. 6 Pavilion located at a vantage point. This spot offers an excellent view of the mountain scenery. From the pavilion, you can enjoy a wide panoramic view, including the entire Maple Tree Elementary School and the city below. On a lucky day, you might even see the Taipei 101 skyscraper in the distance; looking around, you can see the landscapes of Hutoushan and Xinluokeng Mountain, with the romantic scenery of miscanthus swaying in the autumn breeze, which is truly stunning. Departing from the spacious No. 6 Pavilion, you can walk along the wide dirt and gravel path without worrying about the terrain, as the natural scenery follows you from the pavilion. The distant mountains and nearby grasslands can be fully appreciated, allowing you to effortlessly enjoy the vibrant greenery. After passing a power tower and an orchard, you will come across a large open red soil plaza, known as the "helipad," where several hiking trails converge. This area serves not only as a helipad but also becomes a hub for remote control airplane enthusiasts on weekends. Since it is a crossroads for multiple mountain trails, paths lead to Hutoushan Eco-Park, Hutoushan Park, and Maple Tree Pit. Visitors can choose to descend from the direction of the No. 15 power tower, where they can catch views of the recently passed No. 6 Pavilion and the northern peak of Xinluokeng Mountain, showcasing beautiful scenery. As you descend, the colorful glazed roof tiles of the Minglun Sanzheng Temple stand out brilliantly against the emerald forest, and the European-style buildings below are also quite distinctive. The trail ends in Maple Tree Village, known for its flower fields, providing a perfect conclusion to this mountainous walking route.
