Lantan Hinterland Trail Introduction
The Lantan Back Mountain Trail is located on the eastern side of Lantan Reservoir, adjacent to the Lantan campus of National Chiayi University. The trail's elevation ranges from 80 to 150 meters, with a total length of approximately 3 kilometers. Although the overall height is not significant, the terrain is quite varied; it features flat original dirt paths, gravel trails, and wooden boardwalks with 156 steps resembling a ladder, as well as stone steps. There are pavilions for resting, flowing water to listen to, and a romantic paradise of mahogany trees. The trail is lined with dense foliage, and the sound of birds singing fills the air, making it a delightful place for forest bathing. Along the trail, hikers will pass by Mount Zai Ding (elevation 141m) and Hong Mao Pi Mountain (elevation 150m), with the latter being ranked as one of the "Small Hundred Peaks of Taiwan." This trail allows easy access to the thrill of conquering the Hundred Peaks without a long journey; it can be completed in under two hours, making it particularly suitable for the general public seeking exercise as well as beginners practicing hiking. Every 50 meters along the Lantan Back Mountain Trail, there are orange milestone markers that indicate the latitude and longitude for easy navigation. The trail features information boards about common plants and animals, and it intentionally preserves the old nameplates passed down orally among early mountain hikers, such as "New Paradise," "Lake Bottom," "Little Park," "Bamboo Shoot Cabin," and "Back Garden." For instance, "Lake Bottom" got its name because, due to poor drainage on the trail in the early days, accumulated water often created a small pond-like appearance after summer rains, leading hikers to name the place accordingly. "Bamboo Shoot Cabin" refers to the dense bamboo groves surrounding that section of the trail, where local residents built simple shelters for convenience in collecting bamboo shoots. Many interesting place names have their origins hidden within the mountains and forests, worth exploring by hikers.