Shimen Reservoir Trail Introduction
Who said that the stunning scenery of red maple leaves is only limited to high mountains? The popular low-altitude maple viewing spot in northern Taiwan, Shimen Reservoir, transforms during autumn and winter when thousands of green maples and maple trees paint the mountains in romantic reds. Walking along the trails allows visitors to immerse themselves completely in this enchanting scenery while relieving the fatigue of hiking, with breathtaking views that rival those of high-altitude mountains. Entering the park via the Shimen Reservoir high line toll station, visitors are greeted by towering sweet gum trees that stretch out like a green tunnel. Proceeding along the lakeside road, one can find many hikers on the wide path. Along the way, visitors pass through the Daphne Garden, which has simple children's playground equipment, and the Octagon Pavilion, which offers distant views of the Shimen Dam. From here, one can take a detour to the maple viewing trail where, in late autumn, maple trees over 30 years old on the hillsides display a stunning mix of red, yellow, and green, with butterflies fluttering by, creating an impressive scene! Climbing up to the Rotary Pavilion for a view of the red leaves reflected in the back pool of Shimen Reservoir presents another sense of tranquility and beauty. The stone steps in the Acer Grove Park not only provide views of the green maple forest but also serve as a great spot for plum blossom viewing, with each season offering its own charm. Continuing onward, past the Shimen Scenic Spot and the Yishan Pavilion, one reaches the best viewing point of Shimen Reservoir—the Songtai Viewing Pavilion. At an altitude of 270 meters, the expansive vista offers a view of the spillway and dam that is simply awe-inspiring! If one is fortunate enough to witness the reservoir’s flood release, the sight of the rushing waters is truly worth the trip! Just about 450 meters from the Pinglin toll station, Xizhou Park features a lotus pond, a lover's bridge, and a meandering path designed to follow the terrain's ups and downs. Walking through, visitors can appreciate the diverse tree species, lush green hills, and the colors of the back pool, making for a delightful experience. On holidays, many travelers picnic here, enjoying leisurely moments. In addition to the aforementioned maple viewing trails, Acer Grove Trail, and Xizhou Park Trail, the park has other paths in Qietonglin Park and Nanyuan Ecological Park for visitors to stroll and admire the scenery of Shimen Reservoir. As night falls, the Nanyuan Ecological Park creatively utilizes lighting to guide visitors on a magical nighttime journey; the misty landscaped ponds and the twinkling yellow lights along the paths not only avoid overwhelming bright light stimuli but also significantly reduce light pollution, creating a friendly light environment. In recent years, Shimen Reservoir has become not just a favorite stop for travelers visiting Taoyuan, but also a popular venue for many unique sporting events. The "Taoyuan Half Marathon - Shimen Reservoir Maple Half Marathon," which attracts thousands of runners every year, is a rare ecological marathon in Taiwan, with the lakeside route lined with beautiful red maples. As runners sweat through the course, they experience a visual feast of nature and culture. In addition to road running, there have also been numerous hiking and cycling competitions over the years, making fitness and outdoor activities another option for those exploring Shimen Reservoir.
