Many times, it's not about challenging your physical strength, but finding a place to stroll, breathe fresh air, and let the kids run around while observing natural ecology.
This time, we took the kids to New Taipei's Pinglin "金瓜寮魚蕨步道", a very family-friendly trail suitable for all ages.
The route is easy to walk and doesn't take long. The highlight is that after just a short walk, you can see the clear stream with fish swimming around – a truly soothing sight.
金瓜寮魚蕨步道 is located along Jingu Liao Creek in Pinglin District, New Taipei City. The surrounding area features pristine mountain forests and valley landscapes with minimal artificial facilities, preserving its natural appearance.
Far from the city's hustle and bustle, the air is fresh and the environment is quiet – perfect for a relaxing holiday escape.
Transportation:
• By car: Set your navigation to 「金瓜寮魚蕨步道」. After exiting at Pinglin Interchange on National Freeway 5, follow Provincial Highway 9 (Beiyi Highway), then turn onto Jingu Liao Road to reach the trail.
• Public transport:
MRT + Bus: Take the Songshan-Xindian Line to MRT Xindian Station, then transfer to New Taipei Bus 923 to 「坪林國中」 stop.
Shuttle: At Pinglin Junior High School, transfer to Bus F722 (Jingu Liao Line) or F723 (Dalin Line) and get off at 「蕨類步道」 stop.
📍Attraction Info｜金瓜寮魚蕨步道
• Address: Jingu Liao Road, Pinglin District, New Taipei City
金瓜寮魚蕨步道 has multiple entrances. We entered from the north side entrance, but after walking a short distance, we found the path ahead temporarily closed due to maintenance or foundation issues! We followed the signs back to the asphalt road.
We strolled along the road to the south entrance. Once inside from the south, the trail condition was much better!
The trail is heavily shaded by greenery, so even under strong sun, it doesn't feel too exposed. Along the way, as the name suggests, you'll see dense fern plants everywhere.
The most rewarding and kid-friendly part of this trail is reaching the stream after just a few minutes of walking.
When we descended to the stream, we were amazed by the scenery! The water is crystal clear, and looking down from the bank, schools of Kuhlia and Opsariichthys fish swim around.
The Tiffany blue-green stream and schools of fish are incredibly soothing. The fish are abundant and surprisingly unafraid of humans.
Watching their silver flashes as they turn, accompanied by the sound of flowing water, instantly releases all your everyday stress.
The kids had a blast here, able to dip their feet in the gentle stream and observe the ecosystem. The environment is very welcoming and makes for an excellent outdoor nature classroom.
金瓜寮魚蕨步道 is well-planned overall, with thoughtful signs marking "mobile signal spots" along the way – very practical for those wanting to check in or stay connected.
This is truly a great place to take deep breaths of negative ions and fill your eyes with green.
If you're looking for an easy weekend getaway where you can also cool off in the water, save 金瓜寮魚蕨步道 for later.
Reminder: Outdoor areas have more insects, so remember to take anti-mosquito measures. Mountain weather can change quickly, so always pay attention to conditions!
⚠️ Notes:
Everyone's experience and feelings about travel, attractions, or dining may differ. This article is based on personal experience only. Feel free to use it as reference and decide for yourself whether to visit.
It's recommended to check information before departing to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip!