Hehuanshan North Peak｜An ideal starting point for beginners exploring Taiwan's top 100 mountains

📍 Location Located at the border of Ren'ai Township in Nantou County and Xiulin Township in Hualien County, within Taroko National Park. 🗻 Elevation 3,422 meters 🏅 Top 100 Mountain Ranking Ranked 34th 🚗 Transportation • By car: Starting from Taipei, take National Highway No. 5, connect to Provincial Highway No. 7, then switch to Provincial Highway No. 7A to reach Xiaofengkou at Hehuanshan. The drive takes approximately 4 hours. • By public transport: Take the Taiwan Railways to Hualien Station, then transfer to a bus heading to Xiaofengkou at Hehuanshan. The journey takes about 3 hours. 📝 Personal Experience Hehuanshan North Peak is the highest among the Hehuan mountain range, standing at an elevation of 3,422 meters. It is situated at the border of Ren'ai Township in Nantou County and Xiulin Township in Hualien County, within Taroko National Park. The trailhead is located near the Xiaofengkou parking lot at the 37K mark of Provincial Highway No. 14A. The trail is approximately 2 kilometers long, requiring 1.5 to 2 hours for a one-way hike and 3 to 4 hours for a round trip, making it suitable for physically fit beginners. The initial section of the trail is steep, while the latter part features gentler ridge slopes. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of arrow bamboo grasslands and alpine rhododendron blooms, especially during the flower season from May to June, when the scenery is particularly stunning. A notable landmark along the route is the reflector panel, from which hikers can gaze at majestic peaks such as Qilai Main Peak, Qilai North Peak, Central Peak, and Nanhu Mountain. Since Hehuanshan North Peak is located in a high-altitude area, hikers are advised to prepare for altitude sickness and monitor weather changes to avoid afternoon fog that may obstruct visibility. No mountain entry or park permits are required for this hike, but visitors must adhere to Taroko National Park regulations.