
The elevation of Dakeng Trail No. 5 in Taichung City ranges between 595 and 859 meters above sea level. It connects Trails No. 1, 2, 3, and 4 in a continuous mountain ridge route. As hikers walk the trail, the sweeping views of undulating peaks provide a refreshing escape into nature. Tourism and Travel Bureau Director Chen Mei-Xiu highlights that visitors can navigate to “Dakeng Trail No. 5,” where they’ll find a charming mountain ridge-themed trailhead. The trail features multiple observation platforms and pavilions for rest and sightseeing. Visitors can also reach the highest point at Touke Mountain’s 859M trigonometrical point for a great photo opportunity. It’s an ideal spot to bring your families and explore the beauty of Dakeng Trail No. 5 during the Qingming and Children’s Day long weekend!
Director Chen highlights Dakeng Trail No. 5 as a must-visit route that follows the ridgeline across Erke and Touke Mountains. The trail offers numerous scenic lookout points with breathtaking views. Along the way, hikers will encounter majestic pine trees, whose towering forms lend a spiritual atmosphere to the forest. It’s a route not to be missed for those seeking mountain views and a peaceful escape. Depending on the time of day, hikers may experience clear, expansive views under bright skies or find themselves surrounded by mist and clouds, as if stepping into a fairyland.
According to the Tourism and Travel Bureau, Dakeng Trail No. 5 is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. The trail features a mix of cement and wooden stairs, acacia boardwalks, and natural paths, giving hikers a close-to-nature walking experience. Along the way, visitors will find a series of rest pavilions, such as Xiaoyao, Xingyi, Yile, Shizi, Heisong, Gaofeng, and Touke, as well as several observation decks. These places provide sweeping panoramas, and interpretive signs along the trail share fascinating insights into the area's geology and natural features. It’s a route that allows visitors to learn more about the environment as they explore.
The Taichung City Scenic Area Administration reminds that although Dakeng Trail No. 5 is a beginner-friendly route, stretching only 1.4 kilometers and taking about 1.5 hours to complete, visitors are encouraged to set aside 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy the experience—relaxing in pavilions or at scenic overlooks, and soaking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere. While it's possible to drive directly to the trailhead, many hikers choose to access Trail No. 5 by connecting through Trails No. 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-1, making their way to the peak of Touke Mountain for a scenic rendezvous with the surrounding peaks.
After your hike, consider making a trip to Da'an Beach along the Taichung coastline. The highly anticipated Da'an Mazu statue has received the necessary permits and is now under construction. Meanwhile, the Da'an Port Mazu Cultural Park project is gearing up for another round of public-private partnership bidding and is actively seeking investors. For more exciting attractions and delicious food recommendations, be sure to check out Taichung Tourism’s website, Facebook and Instagram.