Shimen Mountain Trail Introduction
In the concrete jungle replaced by skyscrapers and the trend of getting close to nature in the mountains, are you keeping up? Located on the west side of Shimen Reservoir, Shimen Mountain (also known as Xiaozhukeng Mountain) is one of Taiwan's minor peaks, with an elevation of 551 meters. It not only boasts a magnificent view of Shimen Reservoir and the streets of Longtan and Daxi, but also offers a chance to see Taipei 101! Two popular routes will break your boundaries and broaden your horizons! Entering the northern end of the Shimen Mountain trail from the archway on Minzhi Road, the initial section is an unpaved path. On weekends, many vendors gather to sell trekking poles, snacks, and mountain products. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing for a leisurely pace to enjoy the natural feast of acacia forests, tung trees, and ferns while saving energy to conquer the Hero's Slope. The short Hero's Slope, only 400 meters long, has a vertical drop of nearly 200 meters, making it quite challenging to ascend, requiring the use of a rope. The other route, the Jingchun Trail, is relatively easier to walk. Upon reaching the summit, the expansive view of the dam instantly replaces any sense of fatigue with excitement. After a short rest, head for Taiping Mountain at an elevation of 535 meters, where a communication tower stands at the peak, achieving the goal of conquering two mountains in one day, which is immensely satisfying! The Guanyin Statue Trail next to the Shimen Mountain Labor Recreation Center is another hiking option; the flat asphalt path features artistic sculptures and dinosaur models that create a striking contrast, attracting travelers' attention. The stone steps gently ascend about 400 meters to a scenic viewpoint, with signs guiding towards landmarks in the east, west, and north. An 8-meter Guanyin statue stands gracefully next to the viewpoint, quietly observing the passersby. Continuing towards the Paradise Beyond the World platform leads to the intersection of the Hero's Slope and the Guanyin Statue Trails—an important triangulation point, which not only serves as a peak destination for many hikers but also is the best spot to enjoy the vast scenery. Following the signs will take you to the southern entrance of Shimen Mountain located on Taiwan Route 3乙.
