Zhuolan Dake Mountain Trail is a hiking trail on the border of Zhuolan Township and Tai'an Township, Miaoli County, with its southern-ridge trailhead in Baibufan Community; the one-way route is about 4 kilometers and climbs to the 1,236-meter summit of Dake Mountain, Zhuolan's highest peak. At points with open views along the way, hikers can look down over the multi-tiered river terrace agricultural landscape along the Da'an River, and the route also passes the remains of an early battlefield and fort.
Dake Mountain stands at 1,236 meters, with a third-order triangulation point (No. 4204) at the summit, making it Zhuolan Township's highest peak. Hiking community records commonly note that the southern-ridge trailhead in Baibufan Community, opened in 2013, runs about 4 kilometers one way with an elevation gain of roughly 749 meters, and the round trip takes about 4.5 hours. The trail is also known as the 'Dake Mountain Fort Historic Trail' and passes the remains of a Japanese-era battlefield and fort along the way.
Highlights of Dake Mountain Trail
The trail is located in Dake Village, Zhuolan Township, with vegetation dominated mainly by secondary broadleaf forest in a fairly diverse woodland mix. The valley terrain creates pockets of localized moisture where ferns and mosses cover rock faces, forming a contrast with the open terrace views. Several points along the trail protrude from the ridge to provide clear views, allowing you to observe the layered structure of the river terraces along the Da'an River with considerable clarity — the geomorphological significance of this trail is readily apparent.
Zhuolan Township is known for its temperate fruits. Grapes are harvested in two seasons — roughly June–August and November–December (depending on variety) — while peaches concentrate in May–July. The orchard terraces along the trail are most complete in appearance just before and during harvest season, when you can watch farmers at work on the steep terraced slopes and gain an understanding of how mountain fruit farming adapts to terrain.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Practical Information
Getting There & Timing
- Zhuolan Township has no train station; drive or take a bus from Fengyuan. The trailhead is in Dake Village — use navigation to confirm the exact location.
- Allow 2–3 hours for the full trail. Starting in the morning is advisable to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in mountain areas (especially from June to September).
- There is no specific managing authority for the trail. Check with Zhuolan Township Office or Miaoli County trail information for current conditions before visiting.
Nearby Connections
- Pair with the Zhuolan Laozhuang River Terraces (about 10 minutes by car) on the same day to observe the terrace landscape from both a bird's-eye and ground-level perspective.
- Zhuolan town center has several fruit shops and local eateries; after the trail, stop to pick up in-season fruit.
Sources: Local information from Zhuolan Township Office; Miaoli County trail resource survey. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Dake Mountain Trail?
The southern-ridge route from Baibufan Community is about 4 kilometers one way, with an elevation gain of roughly 749 meters.
How high is Dake Mountain?
It stands at 1,236 meters with a third-order triangulation point at the summit, making it Zhuolan Township's highest peak.
What historical remains can be seen along the trail?
The trail is also called the 'Dake Mountain Fort Historic Trail' and passes the remains of a Japanese-era battlefield and fort.
Sources
- 大克山砲台古道-健行筆記 — 步道長度（約4公里）、海拔（1236公尺）、三角點編號