Shimen Reservoir Trail Introduction
Who says that the beautiful scenery of mountains covered in red maple is limited to high altitudes? The popular low-elevation maple viewing spot in northern Taiwan, Shimen Reservoir, during autumn and winter, showcases thousands of green maples and maple trees that paint the mountains in romantic shades of red. Walking along the trails allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in this charming landscape while relieving the fatigue from hiking, with stunning views that rival those of high-altitude mountains. Entering the park from the Shimen Reservoir high toll station, you'll immediately see towering maple trees that extend like a green tunnel. As you proceed along the lakeside road, it’s common to encounter fellow hikers on the wide path. After passing the simple children's playground at Dieyuan and the octagonal pavilion that overlooks the Shimen Dam, you can divert to the maple viewing trail. In late autumn, the hillside is adorned with maple trees over 30 years old, intermingling in shades of red, yellow, and green, with butterflies fluttering, creating a breathtaking sight! From the Ferris Pavilion, visitors can enjoy a tranquil view of the red leaves reflected in the reservoir's rear pool. The stone steps within Maple Forest Park not only provide a view of the green maple forest but are also a great spot for plum viewing, with each season offering its own charm. Continuing on, you reach Shimen Scenic Area and Yi Mountain Pavilion, where the best viewing spot of Shimen Reservoir awaits – Songtai Viewing Pavilion. At an elevation of 270 meters, the expansive view overlooks the spillway and dam, evoking an uncontrollable exclamation of wonder! If lucky enough to witness the reservoir's flood discharge, the sight of the rushing torrent is worth every moment! Nearby, about 450 meters from Pinglin toll station, Xizhou Park features a lotus pond, a lovers' bridge, and undulating pathways designed according to the terrain, allowing visitors to appreciate the diverse tree species, lush green hills, and the color of the rear pool water—an immensely pleasant experience. On weekends, many travelers also picnic here, enjoying leisurely time. In addition to the aforementioned maple viewing trail, Maple Forest trail, and Xizhou Park trail, the park also includes Qiedonglin Park and Nanyuan Ecological Park, ambos equipped with pathways for visitors to stroll and admire the beauty of Shimen Reservoir. As night falls, the cleverly lit Nanyuan Ecological Park guides visitors on a fantastical night journey with gentle illumination; the mist-covered scenic pool and the faint glimmers along the trail provide a calming visual experience while significantly reducing light pollution, creating a friendly light environment. In recent years, Shimen Reservoir has become more than just a beloved spot for travelers visiting Taoyuan; it is also a popular location for many unique events. Each year, the "Taoyuan Half Marathon - Shimen Reservoir Maple Half Marathon," which attracts thousands of runners, is one of the rare ecological marathons in the country, where the lakeside route is dotted with beautiful maple scenery, allowing runners to enjoy a visual feast that integrates nature and culture while they sweat. In addition to road running, there have also been various events such as hiking and cycling competitions over the years, making fitness activities another option for exploring Shimen Reservoir.
