Nangang Mountain Trail (Thumb Mountain) | Taipei Attraction

Thumb Mountain sits within the Nangang Mountain range at an elevation of 325 meters. It is the ridgeline node with the best views in the Nangang range, offering simultaneous sightlines toward eastern Taipei and the Keelung River estuary. The trailhead is located at the Nangang Mountain Nature Trail entrance plaza. The fully paved trail is approximately 2 kilometers round trip and is suitable for hikers of moderate fitness.

Highlights of the Nangang Mountain Trail

Thumb Mountain gets its name from a large summit boulder that resembles a thumb. The exposed ridgeline rocks provide the widest panoramic views in the Nangang range. On clear days you can make out Taipei 101 and the high-rise cluster of Xinyi District; looking northeast, the outline of the Keelung River winding toward the sea comes into view. The trail is well shaded along the way, gaining elevation steadily along the ridge. The gradient steepens slightly near the rocky summit area and requires a reasonable reserve of energy.

The Nangang Mountain trail network is well connected. Thumb Mountain can be linked with the main Nangang Mountain peak (374 m elevation) or other spur routes depending on your fitness level — you can go straight to Thumb Mountain and back, or extend the trip into a ridgeline traverse. Most of the trail is paved; a short section near the summit transitions to a dirt-and-rock surface that can be slippery after rain. There is no large car park near the trailhead, so public transport or bus is recommended.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

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Clear weather gives the best viewsSummit visibility depends heavily on the weather. Check the forecast before heading out — on high-visibility days you can see a full panorama of the eastern Taipei basin.

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Allow about 2 hours for Thumb Mountain aloneThe return trip from the trailhead to Thumb Mountain takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Extending to the main Nangang Mountain peak adds time for a total of about 3 to 4 hours; bring enough water.

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Caution on the summit section after rainThe rocks near the summit become slippery when wet. The slope can remain risky for 1 to 2 days after rainfall; it is best to wait until the surface dries before climbing the rocky area.

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Getting there by public transportTake the Bannan Line to Nangang Station or Kunyang Station, then transfer to a bus toward Yanjiuyuan Road and walk to the trail entrance plaza.

Practical Information

Getting There and Timing

Take the MRT Bannan Line to Kunyang Station or Nangang Station, transfer to a bus along Yanjiuyuan Road, and walk to the Nangang Mountain trailhead.
The trail is open year-round with no admission fee. It is advisable to set off after sunrise and descend before sunset to avoid walking unlit sections at night.

Nearby Connections

The Academia Sinica Humanities and Social Science Library and campus are not far from Yanjiuyuan Road and are worth a stop for visitors interested in the academic environment.
Nangang Exhibition Hall and the shops at Nangang Station are within walking distance of the MRT station and are convenient for a meal after the hike.

Source: trail geographic information provided by context. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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