Elephant Mountain Trail - 象山步道
Elephant Mountain (Xiang Shan) Trail offers the best close up views of Taipei 101, as well ciews over eastern downtown Taipei. The trail can be completed in around 2 hours but allow yourself more time to take in the stunning views. At the end of the trail, you can either take a bus or walk back to Xinyi District.

Jiantan Trail - 劍潭山親山步道
This is one of the most convenient walks to do in Taipei and on a clear day offers great views of the Keelung River, downtown Taipei and surroudnting mountains, as well as Shilin and Yangmingshan. The walk begins opposite Taipei Metro - Jiantan Station, trails are paved and clearly marked. It is possible to do a loop on the red and yellow trails (which takes around 1 - 2 hours). It is also possible to link up with other trails to the east that take you in the direction of Neihu. Map boards are present at the start and along many of trails.

Ping Ding Old Canal Trail - 坪頂古圳親山步道
An easy walk through lush forest, along the Ping Ding Old Canal and past local citrus farms. The Canal continues to be used by local farmers for irrigation. The walk takes about 2 hours and can be made longer with the numerous canals and tracks crisscrossing.

Tianmu Trail - 天母古道
This popular and well maintained path runs mostly uphill approximately 2.6 km to the Chinese Cultural University. The trail begins at the top end of Zhongshan north Road (section 7) where it consists of mostly paved stairs alongside a major water pipe. The path flattens out around halfway and offers views of Tianmu and Yangminshan National Park. At this point it is common to see Formosan Macaques. Another option to finishing the walk is to return back to Tianmu along a much lesser used path (approximately 600 m beffrom the end). This path passes the attractive Fengcui Waterfall, and then follows a creek bed and irrigation piping. Take the stairs at the end of the path to go to Shamao Road and to return to Tianmu (via some quiet redisential roads).

Xiao You Keng - 小油坑
The sulfurous gases rising from Xiaoyoukeng fumaroles makes quite a unique site, especially so close to Taipei. Walking paths in the area offer great views, with some extended hikes possible (map board available).