10 Hong Kong Hikes To Beat The Crowd
Hong Kong is rife with accessible hiking trails across all the different mountains, peaks, and grassy rural landscapes. Much needed during this challenging time are some hiking trails that keep you away from the crowds of like-minded people looking to do the same thing on weekends – hike. To help get you out in nature and away from the crowds, here is a round up of 10 of the best hiking trails in Hong Kong.
Checkerboard Hill
Starting off easy with a hike that’s perfect for newbies and isn’t too long or strenuous. If you are something starting out and don’t have a lot of hiking experience, this should be a good introduction. Hidden on a small hill near Kowloon City, you can walk around the entire hill to get views of both Lion Rock and the red and white checkerboard pattern on the other side of the hill, historically used to help airline pilots navigate landing at the now-closed Kai Tak airport.
Lai Chi Wo
This is a great one that isn’t all ocean views from the mountain tops. Located in Plover Cove Country Park, in the far northeast of Hong Kong, this hike takes you through some wild and undisturbed countryside – from traditional walled villages to amazing coastal scenery, feng shui woods and stunning geological features of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. While the hike is mostly flat, it’s quite long so make sure you’re energised and ready to go.
Ma Dai Stream
Waterfall hikes can be truly breath-taking and we’re sure this is one of them. This Hong Kong hiking trail is alongside a beautiful stream featuring dramatic waterfalls in the New Territories’ Ma On Shan Country Park. Most of it is spent negotiating a series of giant boulders that make the stream navigable on foot, so you better strap on some suitable footwear and be confident in your balance – you may have to hike through the stream. If you go in the summer, make sure to bring your swimwear!
High Junk Peak
High Junk Peak is one of the most striking and unique looking peaks in Clear Water Bay Country Park. Hiking it follows a ridge that rises to a point out of a narrow peninsula at the southeast tip of the New Territories, next to Clearwater Bay. From the summit, you’ll get full 360o views in all directions – Junk Bay to the west with Hong Kong Island close by, scattered islands to the north and open ocean to the south and east. There’s some steep climbing, but the views are worth it.
Mount Stenhouse and Ling Kok Shan
If you’re a truly avid hiker that enjoys going off trail on rugged paths and generally exploring, Mount Stenhouse (Shan Tei Tong) is the hiking trail for you. While it starts on a sealed path, it pretty soon gets unruly. You won’t have much company and there might be times you may be scrabbling on hands and knees, and though you may at some point feel lost just look out for the coloured scraps of material tied to trees which mark the trail. Alternatively, for those who don’t want to get their hiking gear dirty, the adjacent Ling Kok Shan has steps all the way up and down.
Mount Nicholson and Mount Cameron
Mount Nicholson and Mount Cameron are often bundled together on a hiking trail that can’t be missed. The challenging trail, packed with lush greenery and rock formations, is located near Aberdeen Country Park on the south end of Hong Kong Island. Beginning on Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, the 6km hiking trail takes around 2.5 hours and offers up some incredible panoramic views of Deep Water Bay, Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang and Aberdeen. The scenic views make this some of the best hiking Hong Kong has to offer.
Little Hawaii Trail
For a little taste of Hawaii in Hong Kong, be sure to hit the Little Hawaii Trail. This easy 4km hike is excellent for hiking beginners, dog walkers and families with a couple of scenic waterfalls located along the trail. Start your mini trek from Po Lam MTR station and make your way through Tseung Kwan O Village, along the short paved trail and onward to Little Hawaii Falls.
MacLehose Trail
MacLehose Trail is a 100km hiking trail that runs across the new territories of Hong Kong. The trail is thankfully divided into ten sections, with section 4 being a highlight amongst hiking enthusiasts. This challenging Hong Kong hike, with often steep and rugged terrain, is probably best reserved for the more experienced hiker, taking between 4-5 hours to complete. The hike begins at Shui Long Wo and ends near Tate’s Cairn and is known for its breathtaking views of Sai Kung Bay and Ma On Shan.
Rhino Rock
Located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, Rhino Rock is a legendary outcrop that closely resembles a Rhinoceros. The hiking trail begins next to the Stanley Barracks and is one of the shorter treks in Hong Kong at just 2km (roundtrip). The hike should take no longer than an hour and a half, which includes a little time to take a breath, soak in the incredible views and take some snaps of one of the most Instagrammable outcrops in Hong Kong. The hiking trail is relatively easy, with a set of stairs to climb and some minor boulder navigation required.
Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail
The Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail is located in the Lung Fu Shan Country Park in the Central & Western District of Hong Kong. The leisurely trail is just over 2km and is the perfect combination of nature and history. Beginning on Harlech Road, hop on the shady, mostly paved path to Lugard Waterfall before reaching a gazebo. Take the Hatton Road fork or Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail, which will lead you to your destination at Pinewood Battery. Take some to explore the old ruins and soak in the history and serenity of this Hong Kong highlight.