Keelung Mountain Trail Introduction
The trailhead for Keelung Mountain is located along the road about 350 meters from the entrance of Jiufen Old Street, next to a parking lot. There is also a prominent stone monument indicating the trail entrance. Keelung Mountain is named for its shape, resembling a giant chicken coop, and was historically referred to as "Chicken Coop Mountain." Despite its name, it has little connection to the important northern Taiwan port city of Keelung, sharing only a relatively close geographical location. From the side view, it also resembles a reclining pregnant woman, giving it the alternate name "Big Belly Beauty Mountain." Keelung Mountain was originally a conical extinct volcano with hard rock layers. The mountain experiences year-round sea breezes and northeast monsoons that bring salt rain, resulting in sparse tree cover and abundant pampas grass. The peak is not very high, but its coastal location offers broad and open views, providing a complete 360-degree panorama that leaves visitors feeling a sense of regret if they do not reach the summit. The hiking trail to the peak consists of steps, and there are resting pavilions along the way for young children and the elderly to catch their breath and take a break.
