Shimen Reservoir Trail Introduction
Who says that the beautiful scenery of red maple leaves on the mountains is exclusive to high altitudes? The Shimen Reservoir in northern Taiwan is a popular low-altitude spot for maple viewing. During autumn and winter, thousands of green maples and maple trees tint the mountain forest with romantic shades of red. Walking along the trails allows one to fully immerse in this charming landscape while alleviating the fatigue from hiking, with stunning views that rival those of high-altitude mountains. Entering the park from the Shimen Reservoir high toll station, visitors are greeted by tall maple trees extending like a green tunnel. Continuing along the lakeside road, the wide path is frequented by hikers. Passing by the small playground of Deyuan and the octagonal scenic pavilion with views of the Shimen Dam, one can divert to the maple viewing trail. In late autumn, the hillside is adorned with maple trees over 30 years old, displaying layers of red, yellow, and green, with butterflies fluttering about, creating a breathtaking scene! Climbing to the Fulin Pavilion offers a different kind of serene beauty as you gaze at the autumn leaves reflecting in the back pool of the Shimen Reservoir. The stone steps within the maple forest park provide a panoramic view of the green maple forest, also known as a plum blossom viewing spot, with each season presenting its own charm. Continuing on, after enjoying the scenic views at Shimen and Yushan Pavilion, you'll arrive at the best scenic spot of Shimen Reservoir—Songtai Viewing Pavilion. At an altitude of 270 meters, the expansive view overlooks the spillway and dam, prompting admiration! If you're lucky enough to witness a dam spill, the sight of the rushing water is truly unforgettable! Just about 450 meters from the Pinglin toll station, Xizhou Park features a lotus pond, a lovers’ bridge, and a meandering trail designed to suit the terrain, where visitors can enjoy diverse tree species, lush green slopes, and the water colors of the back pool, making it a delightful experience. On holidays, many travelers picnic here, enjoying a leisurely time. In addition to the aforementioned maple viewing trail, maple forest trail, and Xizhou Park trail, the area also has trails in the Qiaotong Forest Park and Nanyuan Ecological Park for visitors to stroll and appreciate the beauty of Shimen Reservoir. As night falls, the cleverly lit Nanyuan Ecological Park guides visitors on a magical night journey with gentle lights; the scenic pool surrounded by mist and the scattered yellow lights along the trail create a friendly lighting environment that minimizes light pollution. In recent years, Shimen Reservoir has become not only a favorite destination for travelers in Taoyuan but also a popular venue for various special events. The "Taoyuan Half Marathon - Shimen Reservoir Maple Half Marathon," drawing thousands of runners each year, is one of the rare ecological marathons in the country. The lakeside racecourse is lined with beautiful red maple scenery, allowing runners to enjoy a visual feast that blends nature and culture while sweating it out. In addition to road running, there have also been many hiking and cycling events over the years, making fitness activities another option for exploring Shimen Reservoir.
