Wuzhishan Mountain Range - Dalun Head to Tail Mountain Qingshan Trail Introduction
Dalun Mountain and Dalunwei Mountain are located on the main ridge extending west from the Wuzhishan mountain range, stretching from the northeast to the southwest. Dalunwei Mountain has an elevation of 451 meters, with giant rocks clustered to form peaks, while Dalun Mountain, at 475 meters, is the highest mountain in the Neihu area. The summit platform offers a broad view with excellent scenery, and the two mountains stand side by side, imposing and have become an important landmark in the Shilin Central Community. The Dalun Mountain and Dalunwei Mountain Trail enters at the mountain base of Dalunwei Mountain, where the steep terrain has limited development, allowing for the preservation of natural ecological flora. Entering from the central community trailhead, the wide and flat gravel road, complemented by the towering shade of trees alongside, provides a refreshing and comfortable walk. At the mountain's peak, there is an observation deck that overlooks the scenery of the outer Shuangxi and Yangmingshan areas. Continuing along the trail towards Dalun Mountain, Dalun Lake is situated mid-slope with its emerald waters reflecting the mountain colors. On Bihshan Road leading to Dalun Mountain, the autumn grass sways gently in the breeze, offering a pleasant and cool climate. The natural trails on the northern mountain slope connect to the Wankeng Industrial Road, with paths hidden within the forest, and the lush forests of the Neishuangxi Forest Park accompany the journey. The paths to the forest are expansive, with comfortable wooden boardwalks elevated among the tree canopy, protecting the surface rocks and plants from damage while facilitating natural observation for visitors. Informative signs placed along the route help deepen understanding of the surrounding geology and ecological environment. Occasionally, one might see trees that "burst out" from the path; they originally grew there, and the boardwalks were designed to surround their territory. This preserves the natural landscape while providing a convenient and comfortable trail for use, achieving the best of both worlds. Residents of the forest can retain their living space, remaining carefree, with the sounds of insects and birds filling the air, and squirrels occasionally jumping through the trees. Despite the uphill climbs, the rich ecology encourages a leisurely pace, allowing for stops to admire the scenery or consult the information boards, making the entire hike a relaxed and enjoyable experience, without being breathless. If a break is desired, there are wooden platforms along the trail to pause and enjoy the views. In rare proximity to an urban area, there's nearly a kilometer of natural wooden pathways to explore. Experienced hikers often walk barefoot to fully embrace this rejuvenating forest journey. The variety of forest ecosystems leads to a free-spirited mountain trail that approaches Dalunwei Mountain, starting with a wide and flat gravel trail alongside tall trees swaying in the breeze, harmonizing with the sounds of footsteps on the gravel. The delightful experience of strolling through the forest continues seamlessly. Even though many other sections are made of stone steps, the dense forest accompanies hikers throughout. Entering this ecological green corridor, the mature and rich forest is significant. The forest trail crosses the concealed and minimally developed western foot of Dalun Mountain, while Dalunwei Mountain, although lacking in primitive forest, presents steeper terrain and less human interference due to its location in a watershed area, allowing for better preservation of natural ecology. On the windward side between Dalun Mountain and Dalunwei Mountain, being constantly buffeted by strong winds results in noticeably shorter trees, creating a "wind-swept dwarf forest" composed of plants like red wood, Yangtong, large tea trees, and small leaf red wood. The cold temperature effect originating from the northeastern monsoon enables vegetation typically found in mid-altitude environments of over 2000 meters to thrive even at elevations of around 400 meters, creating a unique phenomenon of plant migration to lower elevations. For instance, deciduous plants like wild duckweed and thunder vine that normally grow in temperate regions still flourish here. At the summit area, warm-temperate broadleaf forests appear, while the warmer valleys host tropical plants like buttress roots and epiphytic flowers, combined with the original subtropical broadleaf forest ecology, effectively condensing tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate environments into one region, fostering a unique and rich compressed ecosystem. As the highest mountain range in the Neihu District, Dalun Mountain provides breathtaking views from its peak. The summit platform has an expansive view with lookout spots on both sides. On the left, one can see the near views of Dalunwei Mountain and Shitou Mountain, while the smaller hill on the right below is Yuanzai Mountain. From here, Dalunwei Mountain appears especially magnificent, giving the impression of a mountain much taller than its 400-meter height. To the north, the barrier of the Datun Mountain range and the volcanic shape of Shamao Mountain are clearly visible. The opposite valley, Pingdeng, is a plateau formed by lava flows during volcanic eruptions. At the other end, the lakes of Wuzhishan and Neihu Dahhu Park reflect the water, with panoramic mountain views stretching across from Xizhi to Pingxi, Shiding, and Keelung. Near the top of Dalunwei Mountain, there are numerous resting pavilions and viewpoints. The summit platform is very spacious, equipped with a simple observation deck for viewing the sights of the outer Shuangxi, as well as Yangmingshan National Park. Descending the small steps to a platform next to a thatched hut provides a different experience. A large observation deck near the summit path offers a 360-degree panoramic view, overlooking the undulating Wuzhishan range and the mountains in the direction of Xizhi, evoking a sense of adventure akin to being on a ship commanding the seas.
