1. Route Overview
▪︎ Peak Introduction
The Gaodao Trail is located in Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County, near the Naluo Tribe. This P-shaped loop trail connects four intermediate mountains in a single hike: Mount Gaotai, Mount Xiaodao-tian, Mount Zhongdao-tian, and Mount Dadao-tian. The entire route spans approximately 9.5 kilometers with an elevation gain of over 800 meters, reaching its highest peak at Mount Dadao-tian (1,824 meters above sea level).
▪︎ Route Introduction
“Gaotai” translates to “highland platform,” while “Shimada” (Dao-tian) honors Momoji Shimada, a detachment commander of the Hsinchu punitive force during the Japanese colonial period.
Widely praised as a classic among intermediate mountain thru-hikes, the trail winds through misty cedar forests filled with bizarre and mesmerizing trees. The sheer variety of unique, twisting tree forms along this route is unparalleled—easily the most diverse and captivating arboreal scenery I have ever witnessed. Hiking here feels like stepping straight into a mythical “demon forest” from a cinematic masterpiece.
Red mountain icon: Mount Gaotai Trailhead 1
Green mountain icon: Mount Gaotai Observation Deck (the junction of the bypass trail and the main trail)
▪︎ Route Difficulty
We walked along, embraced by a vast forest of cedar trees that stretched out like an endless woodland corridor. Beneath our feet, a thick carpet of pine needles made every step feel bouncy and light. It truly felt like being warmly cradled by the forest the entire time—pure bliss!
The rope-assisted sections after Mount Xiaodao-tian were easy to navigate and super fun to climb. This is definitely a route that will keep a massive smile on your face (◉ω◉)
| Item | Rating |
| Scenery & Views | ★★★★ |
| Route Difficulty | ★★ |
✦ Rating Guide ✦
All ratings, including route difficulty and scenic views, are based on personal experience and subjective perception. They are for reference only! Actual conditions may vary depending on weather, trail conditions, and individual physical fitness
✦ Hiking Safety Warning ✦
Hiking carries inherent risks, including rapid weather changes, challenging terrain variations, and physical exhaustion. Please thoroughly assess your own capabilities before attempting this hike. Ensure you have planned your itinerary completely, prepared the proper gear, and always prioritize personal safety before heading into the mountains.