The trails were mapped and revived in recent years using historical survey documents dating back to the Qing Dynasty.
The route was historically used for the transportation of tea, camphor, and sulfur between the inland mountains and the Tamsui port.
Trail markers are often marked with a 'Shuang-Shan' (double fan) logo, representing the local landscape and cultural heritage.
The network covers approximately 200 kilometers of total trail length spanning multiple districts.
Portions of the trail near Shiding retain original Qing-era stone paving techniques designed to prevent erosion during heavy rainfall.
The trails pass through several abandoned mountain villages that were once key stopovers for merchants and travelers.
Some sections incorporate traditional 'mountain temples' or small stone shrines dedicated to local land deities.
The Tamsui-Kavalan Trails form a historical network of paths originally constructed in the 19th century to connect Tamsui in the west to Kavalan (modern-day Yilan) in the east. These trails served as vital corridors for trade, migration, and official travel between Northern Taiwan's colonial settlements and the coastal plains. The network consists of various segments categorized by difficulty, traversing mountainous ridges, tea plantations, and rural village landscapes. The Shiding section is known for its stone-paved remnants that reflect the Qing Dynasty-era engineering. Many segments are preserved as part of a cultural heritage project to promote slow tourism and environmental conservation. Hikers can observe unique stone monuments and traditional boundary markers placed by early settlers. The trail system utilizes natural topography, incorporating river valleys and old mountain passes. It acts as a living archive of the interaction between Han Chinese settlers and indigenous tribes in the region.
The stone-paved segments near Shiding that feature moss-covered stairs and historical boundary markers.
Download offline digital maps, as cellular reception is inconsistent in the deeper mountain segments.
Carry a physical map or trail guide, as intersection markings can be sparse in remote, forested areas.
Check local weather reports specifically for mountainous New Taipei City, as rainfall patterns differ significantly from the city center.
Attempting remote, high-altitude sections without proper physical conditioning or adequate water supplies.
Trails may be temporarily closed following significant rainfall or typhoon activity due to landslide risks.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; avoid disturbing traditional stone shrines or local flora and fauna.
