The 'Mama Giant Tree' (Yaya Qparung) is the second-largest giant tree in Taiwan by diameter.
The village of Smangus is often referred to as 'God's Tribe' due to its remote location and isolation from modern infrastructure until the late 20th century.
The local Atayal community operates under a 'Tnunan' model, where all land, resources, and revenue from tourism are shared equally among tribal members.
The trail's climate supports a temperate cloud forest, creating a habitat for rare bird species like the Formosan laughingthrush.
The trail was only officially opened to tourism in 1991 after the discovery of the giant tree grove by the village's current leadership.
Large sections of the trail are maintained using traditional indigenous forest management practices rather than invasive modern construction.
The path follows the mountain ridgeline, significantly reducing the amount of direct sunlight reaching the forest floor.
The area is geologically part of the Xueshan Range, characterized by steep valleys and loose shale ground.
The Smangus Giant Trees Trail is a high-altitude hiking route located in the remote indigenous village of Smangus, Jianshi Township, Hsinchu County. The trail leads to a grove of ancient Formosan Cypress trees, the largest of which is known as 'Yaya Qparung' or 'Mama Giant Tree'. This giant cypress is estimated to be over 2,500 years old, standing 35 meters tall with a circumference of 20.5 meters. The trail spans approximately 5.6 kilometers round trip from the village entrance and features an elevation gain of roughly 200 meters. The path traverses a pristine cloud forest ecosystem, crossing wooden bridges and moss-covered forest floors. It serves as the primary gateway to the ancestral lands of the Atayal people, who manage the area through a communal land-sharing system. The trail terrain ranges from packed dirt paths to narrow mountain passes along steep slopes. High humidity and fog are frequent characteristics of the region due to its elevation at approximately 1,600 meters above sea level.
The base of the Yaya Qparung (Mama Giant Tree) where the scale of the tree base can be captured against the trail.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with excellent grip as the trail is prone to mud and slippery roots.
Carry trekking poles to assist with the uneven terrain and elevation changes.
Pack layered clothing to account for rapid temperature drops when fog and rain roll into the mountains.
Do not attempt the hike during or immediately after heavy rainfall due to the high risk of landslides on the mountain paths.
The trail is subject to closure during extreme weather events, particularly typhoons, for public safety.
Practice Leave No Trace principles; remain on marked trails to protect the fragile root systems of ancient trees; respect tribal land boundaries.
