Wuzhishan Mountain Range - Dalun Mountain Trail Introduction
Dalun Mountain and Dalunwei Mountain are located on the main ridge of the Wuzhi Mountain Range, extending from the northeast to southwest. Dalunwei Mountain has an elevation of 451 meters, with towering boulders forming peaks, while Dalun Mountain is the highest peak in the Neihu area at 475 meters. The summit platform offers a broad view, providing excellent scenic vistas from a high vantage point. The two mountains stand side by side, imposing and magnificent, constituting an important landmark for the Shilin central community. The Dalun Mountain and Dalunwei Mountain hiking trail leads from the entrance at the central community to Dalunwei Mountain, which has steep terrain due to the fault line, and less development has occurred in the protected water source area. Natural ecology and plant life are preserved intact. Upon entering from the central community, visitors are greeted with a wide, flat gravel path alongside towering trees, creating a cool and comfortable walking experience; the summit features an observation deck that overlooks the scenery of the outer Shuangxi and Yangming Mountain areas. Continuing along the trail toward Dalun Mountain, hikers come across Dalun Lake nestled in the mountainside, where emerald waters reflect the mountain scenery. On the way to Dalun Mountain along Bihshan Road, autumn grasses sway in the breeze, providing a pleasant atmosphere. To the north of the mountain area, a natural trail connects with the Wanjing Industrial Road, winding through dense forests, with the Neishuangxi Forest Natural Park’s lush vegetation accompanying hikers throughout the journey. The path is lined with wooden planks, allowing for comfortable walking while reducing potential harm to the underlying rock and plants, and making it easier for visitors to observe nature. Interpretive signs appear at intervals along the way, enhancing one’s understanding of the surrounding geology and ecology. Occasionally, trees can be seen “bursting forth” from the trail; they originally grew there, and the boardwalk was constructed to navigate around them. This approach helps preserve the natural landscape while providing a comfortable walking path, creating a win-win situation where nature is shared, bringing joy to all. The “indigenous” inhabitants of the forest maintain their living space, allowing them to thrive in a harmonious environment filled with the sounds of insects and birds, including the occasional sighting of squirrels jumping through the trees. Despite the uphill ascent, the rich ecology encourages hikers to slow down and appreciate their surroundings, ensuring that the entire journey remains enjoyable without feeling out of breath. For those needing a break along the way, wooden platforms often appear at turns for both viewing and resting. In this urban suburban area, the natural boardwalk extends about one kilometer, providing a unique experience for hikers, many of whom prefer to walk barefoot to fully enjoy the comfort of the forest. The trail leading to Dalunwei Mountain begins with a broad, flat gravel path. The tall trees lining the path sway gently in the wind, their rustling leaves harmonizing with the sound of footsteps on the gravel, creating an immeasurable walking experience through the forest. While other sections may consist mostly of stone steps, the lush mountain forest is ever-present. Entering this ecological green corridor, visitors find a mature and rich forest landscape. The trail traverses the secluded and almost undeveloped western foothills of Dalun Mountain. Though Dalunwei Mountain lacks primary forest, its steep terrain hampers development, and being situated in a water source area leads to minimal human disruption and better ecological preservation. On the windward side between Dalun Mountain and Dalunwei Mountain, the area is constantly battered by strong winds, resulting in noticeably shorter trees that form a “wind-swept dwarf forest” composed of various species, including red nanmu, Melaleuca, Camellia, and smaller-leaved red nano trees. The cold temperature effect created by the northeast monsoon allows certain plants that would typically thrive at higher altitudes of around 2000 meters to survive at over 400 meters here, creating a uniquely compressed ecological phenomenon. For example, deciduous plants like the temperate zone’s wild duckweed and rattan can also flourish here. The summit area features warm temperate broadleaf forests, with warmer stream valleys hosting typical tropical plants such as buttress roots and epiphytic flowers. Combined with the native subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem, this results in a concentrated mix of tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate ecosystems in one location, fostering a uniquely rich compressed ecological system. Dalun Mountain is the highest mountain in the Neihu District, and ascending provides stunning views. The summit platform offers a vast perspective, with viewing areas on both sides. To the left, the closer view features Dalunwei Mountain and Shitou Mountain, while to the right, the small hill below is Yuanzai Mountain. From this vantage point, Dalunwei Mountain appears exceptionally majestic, not merely a mountain of over 400 meters. Looking north, the imposing Datu Mountain Range and the volcanic silhouette of Shamao Mountain are clearly visible; across the valley lies Pingdengli, formed by lava flows during volcanic eruptions. At the other end, you can see the scenic lakes of Wuzhi Mountain and Neihu's Dahu Park, with a panoramic view extending over the Jilung River and spanning the mountains from Xizhi to Pingxi, Shiding, and Keelung. Near the summit of Dalunwei Mountain, there are numerous resting pavilions and several vantage points. The summit platform is extensively spacious and features a simple observation area that overlooks the landscapes of the outer Shuangxi and Yangmingshan National Park. Descending along small steps to the platform next to a nearby pavilion provides a different experience. Close to the summit, a large observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view, surveying the rolling peaks of the Wuzhi Mountain Range and the surrounding Xi-Zhi direction, making you feel as though you are on a ship commanding the winds in the exhilarating outdoors.
