Many hikers in Hong Kong like to challenge themselves by taking longer hiking trails, while those who wish to enjoy the scenery may pick a Country Trail. For families or those who are new to hiking, in addition to the Family Walks, Nature Trails are a good alternative which allows visitors to enjoy a leisurely hike while learning about the ecology, geology, and history of the area along the trails.
Hong Kong has 15 Nature Trails, we looked at all the TrailWatch records from our database identified the most popular Nature Trails over the past year. Many of the trails are near to the city with well-connected transport link, or accessible by private cars. The trails are relatively short and suitable for families, a good option for an easy hike with family at the beginning of summer.
1. Pineapple Dam Nature Trail
Total visitors*: 1257 (20% of all Nature Trail records)
During summer it is recommended to avoid strenuous hikes. A leisure reservoir walk is a good alternative. Based on our records, the Pineapple Dam Nature Trail is frequented by TrailWatch users every month, even during the hot summer months of July and August, we still record about 50 – 70 hikes per month.
The best way to visit the trail is by minibus to Shing Mun Reservoir. The trail begins after the visitor center of the Shing Mun Reservoir. The trail is an easy one that runs along the west bank of the reservoir and mostly covered by Chinese Banyan. In Autumn, visitors can enjoy the scenery of the changing color of Chinese Sweet Gum. Interpretation plates along the trail provide information about the reservoir and nearby plants. The trail is also home to a butterfly house which is not to be missed! Please be aware that monkeys frequent this area, respect the wild animals and do not feed them.
Distance: Approximately 1 km
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
TrailWatch route and transport of Pineapple Dam Nature Trail
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10071154
2. Pat Sin Leng Nature Trail
Total visitors: 853 (14% of all Nature Trail records)
When talking about Pat Sin Leng, first come to people’s mind is usually summiting Pat Sin Leng or challenging the Wang Tsat Ancient Trail. If you wish to appreciate the scenery of Plover Clove Reservoir and the surrounding ecology, the Nature Trail of Pat Sin Leng would be a good alternative.
Follow the gentle slope up the hill after reaching the visitor’s center and you will find the beginning of the Nature Trail on your right. After the management center of the park, you will reach the Spring Breeze Pavilion. Distance poles can be found along the trail and most part of the trail is shaded with trees. Some portion of the trail is rugged and hikers should pay special attention.
Up the steps, you will enjoy the spectacular view of the Plover Clove Reservoir, the biggest in Hong Kong and the first ever built in the sea. Viewing points and interpretation plates can be found along the trail, visitors can learn about the ecology and geology of the area. The last session of the trail is stepping downhill that leads to the Bride’s Pool Road.
Distance: Approximately 4 km
Duration: Approximately 2 hour
TrailWatch route and transport of Pat Sin Leng Nature Trail
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10000536
3. Eagle Nest Nature Trail
Total visitors*: 845 (14% of all Nature Trail records)
Eagle’s Nest is the roosting place for Black Kites. The hill is also known as Tsim Shan, meaning pointy hill, due to its steep slopes. Eagle Nest Nature Trail is located inside the Lion Rock Country Park near the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir. Its vicinity to the city means it is easily accessible by public transport, it is like for its popularity amongst TrailWatch users.
The trail is about 3km long with parts of it overlap with section five of MacLehose Trail. The trail is an easy and shady walk with the view of Kowloon Reservoir. Hikers can also appreciate the scenery of the mountain range of central New Territories, including Kam Shan, Smuggler’s Ridge, Tai Mo Shan, Needle Hill and Grassy Hill. The last section of the trail gives hikers the spectacular paramount view of east Kowloon. 13 interpretation plates can be found throughout the trail providing information about the ecology of the area. The trail is also near to the Kam Shan Country Park which is also known as Monkey Hill, visitors should be aware of the monkeys that frequent the area and refrain from feeding them.
Distance: Approximately 3 km
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hour
TrailWatch route of Eagle Nest Nature Trail
https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10108150
Interpretation plates of Nature Trails
We look forward to seeing more records of different trails in Hong Kong from you and share with fellow TrailWatch users. Don’t forget to turn on the app next time when you visit the countrysides!
We look forward to seeing more records of different trails in Hong Kong from you and share with fellow TrailWatch users. Don’t forget to turn on the app next time when you visit the countrysides!
Other Nature Trails:
Aberdeen Nature Trail: https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10101153
Tai Po Kau Nature Trail: https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10079464
Enjoy Hiking – Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
http://hiking.gov.hk/eng/trail_list/type.htm
*Note: The data used in this article is extracted by selecting a fixed point of the Nature Trail and counting all user record within 500meter radius of the point. The routes recommended here are for reference only, the actual route and time required differs from hiker to hiker. When planning for your hike, please take into account your physical ability and weather conditions.