Sword Mountain Trail Introduction
1. Location: Boundary of Sanyi Township and Dahu Township 2. Start and End: Miaoli County Road 56 - Guandao Mountain Triangulation Point 3. Trail Length: 1.2 kilometers, Walking Time: Approximately 45 minutes one way 4. Trail Route: Shengxin Station - Dacao Pai - Junction Square - Trailhead (southwest and southeast sides) - Guandao Mountain Triangulation Point, elevation 888 meters, which is the main peak of the Guandao Mountain range, located at the border of Dahu and Sanyi Townships in Miaoli County. The surrounding terrain mainly consists of gently sloping, wide ridges, while Guandao Mountain stands out prominently in this hilly area like a crane among chickens. To the north of the main peak of Guandao Mountain, the cliffs drop steeply, appearing as a towering pillar when viewed from the valley, resembling a knife, which is how it got its name. The ecology in the Guandao Mountain area is incredibly rich and diverse, with a broad vista from the top, and access to multiple trails leading to attractions such as Shengxin Station, Yutengping Broken Bridge, Liyutan Reservoir, and Shuangtan Recreational Agriculture Park. It is common to see people visiting Guandao Mountain in groups during weekends, enjoying the mountain forests filled with phytoncides. The Guandao Mountain Historic Trail connects Shengxin and Guandao Mountain to the newly opened Shuangkeng Bridge (Taiwan Provincial Highway 3), while the Guandao Mountain Trail is the western section of this historic trail, serving as the route between Shengxin and Guandao Mountain. This section meanders around the Liyutan Reservoir, creating a tranquil and elegant setting. Along the trail, you can see Acacia trees, bamboo, tung trees, miscanthus, and wild yam, with numerous bird species such as Eurasian Blackbird, Magpie, White-headed Bulbul, and Formosan Magpie as well as many butterflies and reptiles inhabiting the area, nurturing a rich biodiversity. From the Sanyi Interchange, it takes about a 10-minute drive to reach Shengxin Station, where you can choose to start your hike or continue to the parking lot at Junction Square before beginning your walk. Shengxin Station, built in 1906, is the highest point of the western railway in Taiwan. The wooden station is quaint, constructed without the use of any nails, showcasing a Japanese architectural style. In April 1999, the Miaoli County Government declared it a county-level historic site due to its significant historical and cultural value, attracting visitors to experience the old railway charm of the old mountain line. The area around the station is lush with flowers and has a pleasant view, with the nearby tung tree forest towering on the hilltop, where in April and May, the white flowers add an elegant touch to the greenery. There are several shops near the station offering local cuisines and snacks, making it worth a visit to savor the local flavor. From Shengxin Station, take the path on the right at the fork, which climbs upward, passing the Tudi Gong Temple and Dacao Pai, surrounded by shaded areas and the sounds of birds. Upon reaching Junction Square, the cement road on the left leads up to Guandao Mountain. Continuing towards the trailhead, take the right fork and go uphill until reaching the abandoned house, then follow the path behind the house to the southwest trailhead of Guandao Mountain. Ascend the stone steps, and the summit of Guandao Mountain is not far away. The peak offers excellent views of the surroundings, with patches of white clouds, layered mountains, and lush trees. As the sun sets, the gradient of red and orange colors the sky, creating a dreamy sunset view that makes visitors keep clicking their cameras. In autumn and winter, the sea of clouds rising from Guandao Mountain creates a "fairyland above the sea." From the open area on the summit, you can find the triangulation point slightly lower to the left. For the return journey, you can descend via the rope ladder railing from the southeastern side of the summit, reaching the southeast trailhead, then turn right on the access road to connect back to the southwestern trailhead, retracing your steps back.
