Lantan Back Mountain Trail Introduction
The Lantan Back Mountain Trail is located on the east side of Lantan Reservoir, adjacent to the Lantan Campus of National Chiayi University. The trail has an elevation ranging from 80 to 150 meters, with a total length of approximately 3 kilometers. Although the overall elevation is not high, the terrain is very varied; it features flat primitive dirt paths, gravel trails, as well as a wooden plank road with 156 steps resembling a ladder and stone steps. There are pavilions for rest, streams to listen to, and a romantic paradise of mahogany trees. The trail is lush with branches and leaves, and the constant chirping of birds makes it a delightful experience, making it a great place for a forest bath. Along the trail, you will pass by Shanziding Mountain (elevation 141m) and Hongmaopi Mountain (elevation 150m), with Hongmaopi Mountain being listed as one of Taiwan's Minor 100 Peaks. You can enjoy the thrill of conquering a peak without a long journey; the entire trail can be completed in under two hours, making it very suitable for the general public for exercise, relaxation, and beginners in hiking. Along the Lantan Back Mountain Trail, there are orange milestone markers every 50 meters, denoting the geographic coordinates to help hikers stay oriented, and there are interpretative signs for common flora and fauna. The site also intentionally preserves the old nameplates that were passed along by early mountain friends, such as "New Paradise," "Lake Bottom," "Small Park," "Bamboo Shoot Shed," and "Back Garden." For instance, "Lake Bottom" was named because, according to elders, the trail had poor drainage in the early days, often accumulating water after summer rains, creating a scene resembling a small lake. The name "Bamboo Shoot Shed" arises from the dense bamboo forest surrounding that segment of the trail, where local residents built a simple shed for the convenience of collecting bamboo shoots. Many interesting place names have origins hidden within the forest, worthy of exploration by hikers.
