Wuzhi Mountain Range_Dalun Mountain Trail Introduction
Daluantou Mountain and Daluanwei Mountain are located on the main ridge extending westward from the Wuzhishan Mountain Range, stretching from the northeast to the southwest. Daluanwei Mountain has an elevation of 451 meters, with large rocks piled up and standing tall, while Daluantou Mountain, at 475 meters, is the highest peak in the Neihu area. The summit platform offers a broad view with excellent scenery for the climb. The two mountains stand side by side, imposing in presence, and have become an important landmark in the Shilin Central community. The Daluantou and Daluanwei Mountain Ecological Trail leads into Daluanwei Mountain, which has a steep terrain with limited development due to its protected water source area. The natural ecological plants are well-preserved. Entering from the central community trailhead, visitors first encounter a wide, flat gravel path, complemented by towering trees along the roadside, providing a cool and comfortable walking experience. An observation deck at the summit allows for views of the surrounding areas, including the Outer Shuangxi and Yangmingshan. The trail continues toward Daluantou Mountain, where Daluan Lake, located at the mountainside, reflects the surrounding peak colors in its emerald waters. Along Bihshan Road leading to Daluantou Mountain, the autumn grasses sway in the wind, creating a refreshing atmosphere. To the north of the mountain, a natural trail connects with the Wanxi Industrial Road, winding discreetly through the forest, surrounding the Neishuangxi Forest Nature Park with lush woodlands. The pathways here are wide and comfortable wooden plank trails elevated above the ground, preventing damage to the underlying rocks and plants and allowing visitors to observe nature easily. Interpretation boards along the route enhance understanding of the geological and ecological environment. Occasionally, trees emerge from the path; they originally grew there, and the boardwalk is constructed around them. This method preserves the natural landscape while providing a comfortable walking path for visitors. The "indigenous" creatures of the forest can maintain their living space, thus continuing to thrive, and the sounds of insects and birds can be heard continuously along the way. Squirrels can often be seen leaping through the woods. Despite the uphill trek, the rich biodiversity encourages visitors to slow down, pause to appreciate the surroundings, or consult the informational signs, making the hike feel light and enjoyable without breathlessness. If someone wants to rest midway, there are wooden platforms alongside the path, perfect for both viewing and resting. It's rare to find a natural trail about a kilometer long near the urban suburbs, and many knowledgeable hikers experience this refreshing forest journey barefoot. The abundant tree species lead to a free-spirited hiking atmosphere, starting at the Daluanwei Mountain entrance, where the trail begins with a wide and flat gravel path. The sound of tall trees rustling in the breeze complements the crunching of gravel underfoot, contributing to a beautiful experience of walking through the forest. Even though other segments are primarily stone steps, the dense forest continues to accompany the trail. Entering this ecological green corridor, the mature and rich forest spans the mostly undeveloped foothills on the western side of Daluantou Mountain. While Daluanwei Mountain lacks original forest, its steep terrain makes development difficult, and its location in a water source area results in less human interference, allowing for better preservation of natural ecology. On the windward side between Daluantou and Daluanwei Mountains, the trees are notably shorter due to constant strong winds, creating a "wind-swept dwarf forest" composed of various species such as red wood, Yangtze poplar, tea, and small leaf red wood. The cold temperature effect caused by the northeast monsoon allows plants that typically grow at higher altitudes of around two thousand meters to thrive at this elevation of about four hundred meters, creating a unique phenomenon of lower plant distribution. For example, temperate zone plants like the eclectic red maple and the leigong vine can also flourish here. At the summit, warm temperate broadleaf forests are present, while the warmer valley areas contain typical tropical plants like buttress roots and epiphytic flowers, alongside the native subtropical broadleaf forest ecosystem, effectively combining tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate ecosystems in one place, resulting in a unique and rich compressed ecosystem. The view from the heights of Daluantou Mountain, the highest peak in Neihu District, offers stunning scenery. The expansive summit platform features viewing areas on both sides. To the left, Daluanwei Mountain and Shitou Mountain are visible, while to the right, a small hill, Yuanzaishan, can be seen below. From here, Daluanwei Mountain appears particularly majestic, far more than just a small mountain at over four hundred meters. Looking north, the barrier mountains, including the Datun Mountain Range and the volcanic shape of Shamao Mountain, are clearly visible; the flatland of Pingdengli across the valley was formed by lava flows from volcanic eruptions. On the other side, the peaks and valleys around Wuzhishan and Neihu Dah Lake Park interweave seamlessly, stretching across the Keelung River and the mountains extending from Xizhi to Pingxi, Shiding, and Keelung. Near the summit of Daluanwei Mountain, there are not only many rest pavilions but also numerous viewing points. The broad summit platform includes a simple observation deck perfect for gazing at the landscapes of the Outer Shuangxi and Yangmingshan National Park. Descending the small steps to the platform next to the shelter offers a different perspective. Near the summit, a large lookout tower provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the undulating Wuzhishan Range and the peaks in the direction of Xizhi, creating a thrill reminiscent of being on a vessel dominating the seas.
