Wondering where to go hiking in Hong Kong? These trails guarantee you and your friends gorgeous views and jaw-dropping terrain.
Whether you like hitting the best beaches, trying out different water sports, or checking out islands around Hong Kong, there’s no denying it: there are so many fun outdoor activities that you can do outdoors in the city. And one of our favourite ways to de-stress and relax on the weekend is to go hiking in Hong Kong. So, we’ve put together a list of the best hiking trails across the region. Be sure to pack plenty of water before you head out on your adventure!
32 trails you need to conquer if you like hiking in Hong Kong
Hiking trails in Hong Kong: Kowloon
1. Lion Rock
This one serves as symbolism to Hong Kong, perhaps it’s the lion spirit. The hike starts off quite easy but the final ascent is the toughest, with steep steps that seem never-ending. But you know what they say, the toughest climbs lead to the most beautiful views and Lion Rock is no less. Get a bird’s eye, panoramic view of Kowloon and all its glory.
Distance: Approximately 6 km
How to get to Lion Rock? Take minibus no. 18M from Wong Tai Sin and alight at Temple Hill Fat Jong Temple and walk uphill to the entrance of Lion Rock Country Park.
2. Tate’s Cairn Trail
This easy hike is a unique trail in Hong Kong with a view of Kowloon on one side and Sai Kung on the other. Tate’s Cairn Trail is a very open trail that is not crowded by many trees, but surrounds hikers with high views of mountain ranges in Hong Kong. The trail acts as both a hiking trail and a car path so be aware of vehicles when you hike.
Distance: Approximately 3.9 km
How to get to Tate’s Cairn Trail? Ride the MTR to Diamond Hill Station and take Exit C.
3. Fei Ngo Shan Hiking Trail
As the highest peak in Kowloon (therefore aka Kowloon Peak), Fei Ngo Shan is definitely one of the most popular hiking spots in Hong Kong. The first part of the trail is beginner-friendly with no steep slopes and rocky paths. However, it gets challenging if you decide to head to Suicide Cliff, where fatal accidents have occurred when people over-estimated their physical ability. The upside is the stunning views you get over Kowloon and HK Island when you reach the top. The trail from Fei Ngo Shan to Suicide Cliff is also a popular night hike.
Distance: Approximately 6.8 km
How to get to Fei Ngo Shan Hiking Trail? Walk along Clearwater Bay Road from Exit B of Choi Hung MTR Station. Head left on Fei Ngo Shan Road after you arrive at the bottom of the hill.
4. Devil’s Peak
Despite the intimidating name, this trail is not all too difficult and strenuous. There really is just one steep step of stairs and that’s it. Sure enough the summit offers stunning sea views, but the real picturesque part of this hike comes from Gough Battery. Feel like an explorer going past historical remnants occupied by pirates as a hideout spot and the British for military purposes.
Distance: Approximately 3 km
How to get to Devil’s Peak? From Yau Tong MTR Station, you can get to the starting point on foot. From Domain Mall, exit to Ko Chiu Road, then walk towards Lei Yue Mun Estate. Walk up Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery until you reach the entrance to Wilson Trail. Follow the signposting for Devil’s Peak.
Hiking trails in Hong Kong: New Territories
5. Ping Shan Heritage Trail
For the history buffs who love hiking in Hong Kong, head on down to the city’s first-ever heritage trail: Ping Shan Heritage Trail. There’s lots of walking and much to take in, including the 200-year-old walled villages of Hang Tau Tsuen and Hang Mei Tsuen. Featuring historic buildings belonging to the Tangs, the most well-known of the “Five Clans”, the 1km trail includes Hong Kong’s oldest pagoda – Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda – as well as the magnificent Tang Clan Ancestral Hall and the Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery.
Learn more about the Ping Shan Heritage Trail.
6. Lung Ha Wan Country Trail
Find yourself caught up in the beauty of Clearwater Bay as you hike along the Lung Ha Wan Country Trail. The trail is incredibly family-friendly as it is very accessible. As an easy hike, it is popular among families with young children. Find plenty of scenic views along the way like sea caves and nearby islands. You can even bring your own kite to fly! This is one of our favourite places to go hiking in Hong Kong.
Distance: Approximately 2.3 km
How to get to Lung Ha Wan Country Trail? Ride the MTR to Diamond Hill Station and take Exit D1. Hop on bus no. 91 at Diamond Hill Plaza Hollywood and alight at Clearwater Bay Second Beach.
7. Pat Sin Leng (Ridge of the Eight Immortals)
Known for its steep elevations and winding paths, Pat Sin Leng is suitable for advanced and experienced hikers. Going across the eight summits of the mountain range, this hike takes you through the Pat Sin Leng Country Park, a scenic park that’s often shrouded in mystical white clouds and mist. Below your feet, you’ll find sweeping views of Tai Po, set alongside plunging valleys and vast green plains.
Distance: Approximately 11 km
How to get to Pat Sin Leng? Take the MTR to Fanling Station and hop on minibus no. 52B from Exit A3. Alight at the last stop, Hok Tau. Alternatively, take the MTR to Tai Wo Station for Wilson Trail Section 8. This leads you through the Pat Sin Leng Country Park.
8. Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail
If you fancy a nice long trail for hiking in Hong Kong, try Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail. Used to be an essential path for people to go from Tsuen Wan to Yuen Long, Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail is a hidden treasure where you can check out the harbour channels around Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi, as well as Tsing Ma Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge. In the middle of the hike, you will come across Tin Fu Tsai Campsite, so you can take a rest and devour your packed lunch.
Distance: Approximately 12.5 km
How to get to Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail? Take minibus no. 84 at Tsuen Wan MTR Station to Allway Gardens.
9. Wu Kau Tang Country Trail
Start your hike at Wu Kau Tang Village, and on the way find yourself walking by small village houses and in a large forest that is home to many birds and wildlife. The extremely difficult hike takes an average of one and a half hours, but is great in the summer, as trees cover the path, providing a lot of shade and a stream nearby that keeps the path quite cool. The end destination of the trial is an abandoned Hakka Village, a hidden cultural gem in Hong Kong.
See our video on Wu Kau Tang Country Trail.
Distance: Approximately 2.4 km
How to get to Wu Kau Tang Country Trail? Ride the MTR to Tai Po Market Station and take Exit B. Hop on bus no. 20R to Wu Kau Tang.
10. MacLehose Trail
Whether you are an earth-science fanatic, professional photographer, or the super-adventurous type with a ‘never-say-no’ spirit, you will marvel at the some of the world’s most magnificent geological sites and breath-taking beaches on the MacLehose Trail.
Begin with some fun cliff-jumping at Sheung Luk Stream – just don’t forget to pack your swimsuit! However, it’s the Sai Kung section of this enjoyable trail that deserves a mention, with its stunning sea caves, sea stacks, hexagonal columns and dykes.
And we’re not going to lie: Many don’t last till the very end of this trail. But if you do reach MacLehose Stage 5, you’ll see an option to head to Lion Rock – definitely do this as historic monuments await along with a full monkey colony, which makes for Insta-worthy snaps. Just don’t be too loud, as the monkeys don’t like it!
Distance: Approximately 100 km with 10 stages
How to get to MacLehose Trail? Take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station and take Exit C2. Hop on bus no. 92 to Sai Kung Town.
11. High Island Geo Trail
Not up for tackling the tough sections of the MacLehose Trail? Then the High Island Geo Trail is an ideal hiking destination for you. Begin your journey at the High Island Reservoir East Dam and hike through Biu Tsim Kok to reach the hexagonal volcanic rock formations. The Geo Trail concludes at a sea cave on the Sai Kung coast. Showcasing fascinating natural wonders unique to the area, the trek will be well worth it for beginners and families!
Distance: Approximately 3.4 km
How to get to High Island Geo Trail? Take bus no. 92 from Diamond Hill MTR Station Exit C2 and alight at Sai Kung Town Centre. From Sai Kung, take minibus 9A and alight at High Island Reservoir East Dam.
12. Tai Mo Shan Trail
Adventurous hikers, this one’s for you! The Tai Mo Shan Trail is incredibly challenging and we only recommend it to advanced hikers who often go hiking in Hong Kong. There are many sections in the trail, each leading to different places in the area. Climb one of the highest mountains in Hong Kong – Tai Mo Shan – which gives an absolutely gorgeous view of the city. Another attraction is the Lead Mine Pass, hidden deep within the forest. You’ll also encounter centuries-old abandoned mines along the way. We suggest taking the routes to Shing Mun Reservoir, as it’s a great spot to take in the scenery and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
Distance: Approximately 11 km
How to get to Tai Mo Shan Trail? Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan Station and take Exit A. Hop on bus no. 51 and alight at Country Park Station.
13. Thousand Island Hike
Also known as Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, Thousand Island Hike is undoubtedly one of the most photographed hikes in Hong Kong. On a clear, sunny day, capturing the reflection of the sky on the reservoir with islands scattered around is priceless and a sight one needs to see in person. The majority of the hike is well-paved, shaded, and flat.
Distance: Approximately 3.9 km
How to get to Thousand Island Hike? Catch minibus 43 from Tuen Mun and alight at So Kwun Wat village. Follow the signpost for MacLehose trail.
14. Suicide Cliff
Thrill-seekers will want to add Suicide Cliff to their Hong Kong hiking bucket list for its breathtaking views and heart-pumping challenge. Located in Sai Kung Country Park, it takes hikers up a steep and narrow path to a lofty cliff edge, overlooking the turquoise waters below. Reach the cliff top at 469 metres for exhilarating panoramas that explain this trail’s daring name. While the exposure may not be for the faint-hearted, safety precautions like tagging along with experienced climbers can minimise the risks on this route.
Distance: Approximately 1.3km
How to get to Suicide Cliff? Take minibus 1A from Choi Hung MTR Station Exit C1 and alight at Fei Ngo Shan Road. Walk along the road until a small and winding path appears on your left, just before some residences. This path marks the start of the route up to the cliff overlook.
15. Sharp Peak Hiking Trail
Sharp Peak Hiking Trail is a challenging trail that sits inside Sai Kung East Country Park. It takes you to stunning beaches where you can play on the soft sands without being disturbed. However, since it is literally a sharp peak 468-m above sea level, expect yourself to be climbing up and crawling down for some parts. A pair of hiking shoes will give you a better grip on the loose soil.
Distance: Approximately 12 km
How to get to Sharp Peak Hiking Trail? Hop on bus 96R outside Exit A1 of Diamond Hill MTR Station. Alight at Pak Tam Au (this bus is only available on weekends and public holidays).
16. High Junk Peak Hiking Trail
As the third sharpest peak in Hong Kong, the Junk Peak Hiking Trail is a relatively easy path. When sitting on the peak, you get to overlook the entire Clearwater Bay as well as the neighbouring golf course. If climbing onto the peak scares you, you have the option to walk past it and still enjoy splendid views. It’s also a great idea to visit the oldest Tin Hau Temple near the entrance to the country park.
Distance: Approximately 8.5 km
How to get to High Junk Peak Hiking Trail? Go to Exit C2 of Diamond Hill MTR Station and ride bus 91 to Ng Fai Tin.
17. Kam Shan Country Park Trail
Want an easy hike and to see some wild monkeys in Hong Kong? Explore the Kam Shan Country Park Trail and find many monkeys along the way, but beware that these animals will attack and steal, if they smell any traces of food on you. There are many path links on the trail, including ones that lead to the small Kam Shan Valley and others to the Shing Mun Valley.
Read about this monkey hike.
Distance: Approximately 3.4 km
How to get to Kam Shan Country Park Trail? Take the MTR to Cheung San Wan Station and use exit A1. Hop on bus no. 72 to the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir.
18. Needle Hill
Are you up for the third-sharpest peak in Hong Kong? Sharp like a needle (where it gets its name), this trail is sandwiched between Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin and there’s plenty of literal ups and downs throughout the hike. Once you reach the summit, enjoy the beautiful vista of Shing Mun Reservoir – on a bright, clear day, you can see all the way to Lion Rock!
Distance: approximately 12 km
How to get to Needle Hill? Take minibus no. 82 from Tsuen Wan MTR Station to reach Shing Mun Reservoir and walk to the main dam.
19. Kai Kung Leng (Rooster Ridge)
This one’s quite an underrated and less traversed one so we wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve never heard of it, plus it’s all the way near the Chinese border. Before you venture out, apply ample sunscreen, you may even want to carry some along as this hike barely has any shade (we recommend going in winter). Depending on the season, the hill will be entirely covered in dried brown grass or lush green pasture. In high humidity, clouds even lower down and level with the summit. The highest tip offers a stunning view of Nam Sang Wai, and further away you can see the skyline of Shenzhen stretching all the way to Nanshan.
Distance: Approximately 7.5 km
How to get to Kai Kung Leng? Take minibus no. 603 from Yuen Long MTR Station and get off at Fung Kat Heung Road. Take the path by the electric pole on the left.
20. Pineapple Mountain
Hong Kong has its very own mini Grand Canyon in the New Territories (also known as Por Lo Shan in Cantonese). The best timing to be there has to be during sunset when the unique rock formations glimmer in shades of warm yellow. The trail does not have much of a paved path, wearing suitable hiking shoes is recommended.
Distance: Approximately 6 km
How to get to Pineapple Mountain? From Siu Hong Light Rail Station, take the Light Rail train 615 or 505 to Leung King Station. Cross the tracks to Leung King Plaza, walk past Sai Wan Court and Leung Wai House. Follow the trail uphill to Leung Tin Au.
Hiking trails in Hong Kong: Hong Kong Island
21. Jardine’s Lookout
A quick and easy hike with rewarding panoramic views of Hong Kong’s islands, Jardine’s Lookout is accessible and connects to other picturesque hikes (like Mount Butler and Braemar Hill) nearby. This one-hour hike starts with a slightly steep incline but it’s manageable. Unlike many other hikes, you can’t admire the view on your way to the top as the bushes are pretty tall but that also means more shade and less sun!
Distance: Approximately 4 km
How to get to Jardine’s Lookout? Head to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park and walk toward Tai Tam Reservoir Road. Follow the signposting that says Wilson Trail Section 2.
22. Cape D’Aguilar
Prepare to venture into caves, hike up to a historic lighthouse, and find the skeletal remains of a killer whale, all while basking in the beautiful views. Cape D’Aguilar is more of a walk than a hike, but if you want to find a sweet spot to chill on top of the rocks, minor clambering is involved.
Read our full guide to Cape D’Aguilar.
Distance: Approximately 8 km
How to get to Cape D’Aguilar? Get on bus 9 from Sau Kei Wan and alight at Cape D’Aguilar (name of the stop itself). Head straight after getting off.
23. The Twins
You may have heard of the notorious Twins; yes, the hike doesn’t have a great reputation given the endless stairs, but it’s an awesome workout and ends by the beach so it’s all worth it! You can hike around Violet Hill (which is more of a breeze) and then continue on to The Twins to get to Stanley to cool off. If you love a good challenge, you’ll love this hike.
Distance: Approximately 4.8 km
How to get to The Twins? Get to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park and walk up to Tai Tam Reservoir Road. The trail starts at Wilson Trail section 1.
24. Ap Lei Pai
Despite its proximity to the city, the rugged trail connecting Yuk Kwai Shan and Ap Lei Pai feels like a remote island getaway, rewarding hikers with striking ocean views and a scenic red lighthouse. Though short in distance, the hike packs a punch with steep inclines that are sure to get your heart racing. Come prepared with proper footwear, ample water, and snacks – the terrain is by no means easy, with loose rocks and gravel underfoot. But, the challenging trek is worth it for the breathtaking coastal views and sense of adventure.
Distance: Approximately 4km
How to get to Ap Lei Pai? Take the MTR to Lei Tung Station and take Exit B to get to Lei Tung Estate Road. Walk towards a small side path up to Lee Nam Road until you reach Ap Lei Chau Service Reservoir. Follow the fence and go up the stairs to access the Mount Johnston Trail.
25. Dragon’s Back
One of Hong Kong’s most iconic trail and most popular hiking trails is Dragon’s Back. Furthermore, it has been hailed by Time Magazine as Asia’s best urban hike.
It’s a breezy path that takes hikers through shady groves of bamboo and lush woodland, accompanied by fluttering butterflies and the soothing sounds of birds. It finally emerges into open hillsides covered with wild azaleas or rose myrtle.
A lot of hikers come to a small mountain gap high up on the Dragon’s Back to fly kites or jump off into the great blue yonder with paragliding wings – perfect for the adrenalin junkies out there. If you’re wondering where to go hiking in Hong Kong, then this is the place to start.
Distance: Approximately 8.5 km
How to get to Dragon’s Back? Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station and use Exit A to get to Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus. Hop on bus no. 9 or the minibus with the sign “Shek O” next to the bus terminus. Alight at To Tei Wan, Shek O Road.
26. The Peak Trail
Amidst the city’s lush verdure and craggy hilltops, an hour before dusk is the perfect time to head to the summit of The Peak. On arrival, hikers will get to see a hundred million bright city lights start to twinkle in the city below.
A hit with the locals and tourists alike, The Peak Trail is a walking trail designed for both exercise and educational attainment offering hikers with a better knowledge of the surrounding ecology with signs and boards explaining the flora that you may come across during your walk – ideal to keep the little ones entertained. And of course, there’s lots to rejoice over once you reach The Peak too!
Distance: Approximately 4 km
How to get to The Peak Trail? Take bus no. 13 from Central to Kotewall Road to start the hike at Hatton Road.
Hiking trails in Hong Kong: Outlying islands
27. Po Toi Country Trail
This is a challenging multistage trail that passes through the beautiful landscape of Hong Kong’s southernmost island. Hiking up even a small segment of this mountain provides breathtaking scenery. You’ll witness the most beautiful rock formations as you walk across Cheung Shek Pai, where a series of gigantic rocks forms a natural track. Most notably, you’ll find yourself in awe at the two most recognisable landmarks of Po Toi: the gigantic palm and a huge tortoise making its way uphill – both naturally carved on these cliffs by the elements of nature!
The best part, you can even opt to stay the night by simply pitching up your tent at the site of the base camp. On the way down, be sure to try some seaweed soup and take home some dried seafood products – as the island’s seaweed is equally renowned as its rock carvings.
Distance: Approximately 4 km
How to get to Po Toi Country Trail? Board a kaito (small ferry) at Aberdeen Pier. The journey takes around an hour. This kaito service operates only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
28. Tung O Ancient Trail
Leading from Tung Chung to Tai O, Tung O Ancient Trail is a rather long but not too complicated trail – great for families who love hiking in Hong Kong! The trail offers an array of fascinating things to check out during the hike, including Hau Wong Temple that is built in 1765, beautiful Stilt Houses, Tai O Heritage Hotel, and the Northwest Lantau Coast, so you won’t get bored.
Distance: Approximately 15 km
How to get to Tung O Ancient Trail? Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station and use Exit B. Hop on bus 3M, 11, 23, or 34 at Tung Chung Bus Terminus. Get off at Ha Ling Pei and walk to Tung Chung Fort.
29. Lantau Trail
This hiking trail is perhaps one of the best spots to catch a sunrise in Hong Kong. Literally meaning ‘Chinese Firebird Mountain’, it’s actually two peaks in one, grouped together as a single mount. While Lantau Peak is known for its sunrises, Sunset Peak is known for, well, sunsets. The mesmerising Lantau Trail is every hiker’s playground with some of the best views in Hong Kong and a variety of different terrains that suit both beginners to trail-running professionals. Section 2 of the Lantau Trail, from the Nam Shan barbecue area to Pak Kung Au, is a popular night hike in the summer months when it can be too hot to attempt summiting Sunset and Lantau Peaks.
Although a difficult, arduous trail, it’s a truly rewarding one, as hikers will pass through the mystical, Wisdom Path, a surreal journey of huge wood carvings and enjoy bird’s eye views of Cheung Sha Beach and the world’s tallest outdoor-seated bronze Buddha statue.
Distance: Approximately 7 km
How to get to Lantau Trail? Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station. Hop on bus no. 3M and get off at Pak Kung Au.
30. Finger Hill
Located on the quiet island of Peng Chau, the hike up Finger Hill is suitable for all levels, and is the perfect walk for the entire family to enjoy. Hike through beautiful forest for just 45 minutes and then reach the seating are with stunning views of Disneyland and Tsing Ma Bridge. Don’t forget to pack your camera for this one!
Distance: 7 km
How to get to Finger Hill? Follow the signs from Peng Chau ferry terminal.
31. Rescue Trail
You may have been on the Ngong Ping, but how about hiking just beneath to follow the path to the Big Buddha? Rescue Trail is unlike the other trails, it has strong wooden planks all throughout and did we mention you’ll be right under the cable cars?
The trail is not too difficult but it’s rather lengthy and there are plenty of steps. There’s no shade so coat your skin with enough sunscreen.
Distance: Approximately 8 km
How to get to Rescue Trail? After getting off at Tung Chung MTR Station, walk past Yat Tung Estate to Tung O Ancient Trail. Another 10-minute walk and the Ngong Ping 360 Rescue Trail starting point will be on your left.
32. Ling Kok Shan
Hiking the Ling Kok Shan trail from Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island is the perfect way to work up an appetite for seafood or work off a big lunch. The paved path features striking rock formations and dazzling ocean views along the way. Mid-hike, be ready for a thigh-burning stair climb over 200 metres up to the peak. However, the views from the top make it all worthwhile. The moderately difficult uphill will get your heart pumping. But the steep stairs are interspersed with lovely lookout points for you to catch your breath.
Distance: Approximately 5.3km
How to get to Ling Kok Shan? Take the ferry to Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island. Walk along the main street and start taking the trail up the hill at the century-old Tin Hau Temple.
A final note: spending time outside is also a great way to reconnect us with nature. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and loads of water!
[This article was originally published in January 2018 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]
