Shimen Reservoir Trail Introduction
Who says that the stunning scenery of mountains covered in red maple leaves is exclusive to high altitudes? In northern Taiwan, the Shimen Reservoir, a popular low-elevation spot for maple viewing, transforms into a romantic canvas of vibrant reds as thousands of green maples and maple trees adorn its mountains during autumn and winter. Walking along the trails allows you to fully immerse yourself in this enchanting landscape, while also easing the fatigue from hiking. The breathtaking views rival those found in high-altitude mountains. Entering the park from the Shimen Reservoir toll station, you'll immediately see towering sweet gum trees forming a green tunnel. As you proceed along the lakeside road, you'll encounter many hikers on the wide path. After passing by a playground with simple equipment for children at Dieyuan and a pavilion with a view of the Shimen Dam, you can divert to the maple viewing trail. During late autumn, the hillside is adorned with maple trees over 30 years old, intermingling hues of red, yellow, and green, with butterflies fluttering about, creating a mesmerizing scene! Climbing to the Furun Pavilion offers another tranquil beauty as you overlook the red leaves and the reflection of the Shimen Reservoir’s back pool. Located within the Maple Forest Park, the stone steps trail not only provides a view of the green maple forest but is also a prime spot for plum blossom appreciation, each season showcasing its unique charm. Continuing onward, you will arrive at the best viewing spot in Shimen Reservoir—Songtai Observation Pavilion, which stands at an elevation of 270 meters, offering vast views over the spillway and dam that leave visitors in awe! If you're lucky enough to witness the dam releasing water, the sight of the roaring torrents is truly worth the trip! Just about 450 meters from the Pinglin toll station, Xizhou Park features a lotus pond, a lovers’ bridge, and a winding path designed to adapt to the terrain's undulations. Walking through, you can admire the diverse tree species, lush green hills, and the water colors of the back pool—it’s utterly delightful. During holidays, many tourists picnic here, enjoying leisurely moments. In addition to the aforementioned maple viewing trail, Maple Forest Trail, and Xizhou Park Trail, the park also has trails in the Jiadonglin Park and Nanyuan Ecological Park for visitors to stroll and enjoy the scenery of Shimen Reservoir. As night falls, Nanyuan Ecological Park creatively uses lighting to gently guide visitors on a magical night journey; the misty scenic ponds and the soft yellow lights along the paths do not overwhelm the senses with harsh glare and significantly reduce light pollution, creating a friendly ambiance. In recent years, Shimen Reservoir has become not just a favorite stop for travelers visiting Taoyuan, but also a popular venue for various special events. The "Taoyuan Half Marathon - Shimen Reservoir Maple Half Marathon", attracting thousands of runners annually, is a rare ecological marathon in Taiwan, where the lakeside route is lined with beautiful maples, allowing runners to enjoy a visual feast of nature and culture while they sweat it out. In addition to running events, there are also numerous hiking and cycling competitions, making physical activities another appealing option for exploring Shimen Reservoir.
