Nangang Mountain Range - Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail Introduction
Elephant Mountain, with an elevation of 183 meters, has a trail that is 1,450 meters long and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. Named for its resemblance to an elephant's head, it is located in the Xinyi District, southeast of the Taipei Basin. The geology is similar to Tiger Mountain, primarily composed of sandstone, and due to geological uplift, hikers can see steep yellow-brown rock walls and boulders along the trail. The rich biodiversity of flora and various bird species makes the entire mountain a natural ecological paradise, ideal for people seeking to enjoy leisurely outdoor time in the foothills. Elephant Mountain features diverse microenvironments such as ridges, cliffs, slopes, dips, and valleys, nurturing dozens of fern species. Ferns are omnipresent on Elephant Mountain, some cling to tree trunks, while others grow on rocks and slopes, with dense populations in moist forest understories. Notably, the large clusters of golden dog hair fern are among the most abundant in Taipei City, and in times when medicine was less developed, it was a popular traditional remedy for stopping bleeding. Additionally, in the sunny, moist hollows, there are ancient ferns called "Sigillaria" that date back to the Jurassic period. The clustered Sigillaria is a precious ecological feature unique to northern Taiwan. Elephant Mountain is the highest point in the Four Beast Mountain trail system. With no obstructions in front, the panoramic view from the summit is stunning, featuring a clear vista of the Xinyi business district, including notable architecture such as Taipei 101, the World Trade Center, Warner Village, and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi. The ridge extends into the local Zhongqiang Park, making it a popular spot for residents to walk in the morning and evening, serving as a green space for relaxation and leisure on weekends. The peculiar sight of giant boulders on Elephant Mountain is also known as Laolai Gorge. Climbing the massive rocks here provides a view of the bustling Xinyi district, making it a popular photo spot. In the early morning, visitors can enjoy the sight of Taipei 101 waking up in the dawn light, while at dusk, the urban landscape of Xinyi is illuminated with the setting sun and the emerging city lights, creating a vibrant scene. The Yixian Pavilion (Elephant Mountain Peak) is located at the end of the trail by the hexagonal pavilion, offering excellent views of the entire Elephant Mountain, particularly the elephant head and trunk, which are quite lifelike. The bridge here is Yongchun High School, with the long trunk being the ridge platform between Songshan Road and the Songde campus. The "One-Line Sky" section of the Elephant Mountain trail, near the Songde campus, has a spot named "One-Line Sky" due to the proximity of the two mountain ridges, where the cliffs loom above, creating a narrow slit of sky visible from the trail. For a bird's-eye view of the Taipei Basin, the best spot is "Chao Ran Pavilion," known for offering the most impressive perspective of Elephant Mountain's pavilions. From the platform at Chao Ran Pavilion, one can see the Xinyi planning district below, and further in the distance, one can spot Yuanshan, the Beitou incinerator, Guanyin Mountain, and the Datun Volcano group. Many people visit this spot to observe fireworks during New Year's Eve or National Day, showcasing its allure. Near the Giant Rock Park stairs, there is a massive boulder with human-carved stone steps that lead to an overlook of the Taipei Basin. Continuing along the path, visitors can descend from the left mountainside to the right, enjoying the beauty of the Taipei Basin from varying angles, revealing the charm of Elephant Mountain. Throughout the trail, explanatory signs guide visitors to learn about the unique characteristics of the mountain, making it a popular natural classroom. There’s no worry about lacking ecological guidance along the way; just "follow the map," and one can become the forest's own tour guide. The humid environment also supports an observable population of snails, such as the Vargas giant snail and the pipe snail, which can be seen throughout the mountain area. This area is a native broadleaf forest at low elevation, rich in diverse ecology, and a wealth of greenery, with many surprises awaiting exploration! Once you reach Elephant Mountain, if you have the stamina or want to stretch your muscles, there are many physical fitness facilities along the trail, where people can take a break at the Yixian Pavilion, exercise, or have energetic kids weave in and out, making it ideal for family activities.
