Dakeng Trail No 4

Updated April 15, 2024

Dakeng Trail No.4－Taichung Tourism

## Dakeng Trail No. 4 (大坑4號登山步道): a steep ridge hike above Taichung

Dakeng Trail No. 4 is one of Taichung’s best-known “fitness-grade” hiking routes: short on distance, big on vertical gain, and famous for its ultra-steep section nicknamed the “Jelly Leg Slope.” Official Taichung tourism information puts the trail at 1.9 km, climbing between 470–859 m in elevation, starting at Changqing Bridge and linking to Trail No. 5. Tourism

Because this hike is exposed in places (limited tree cover on parts of the ridge) and includes very steep wooden-step sections, it rewards good footing, calm pacing, and smart prep more than speed. Tourism

### Quick facts (from your listing + official trail data)
– Name: Dakeng Trail No. 4 (Dakeng Hiking Trail No. 4 / 大坑4號登山步道) Tourism
– Location: Beitun District, Taichung, Taiwan Tourism
– Address (official listing): Unnamed Road 406, Beitun Dist., Taichung City, Taiwan Tourism
– Coordinates (your data): 24.1727711, 120.7972077
– Length: 1.9 km Tourism
– Typical time (official): ~2 hours Tourism
– Difficulty (official): “fitness-grade / for strong hikers” (健腳級) Tourism
– Signature challenge: ~300 m near-vertical steep segment (“Jelly Leg Slope / 軟腳坡”) Tourism
– Facilities (official): parking + toilets are listed Tourism
– Your rating: 4.6 (Tourist attraction)

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## Current status alert: check closure/repairs before you go
Taichung’s official tourism site indicates the trail is closed for post-disaster restoration due to heavy rain events and typhoon impacts, and asks visitors not to enter during the repair period. That status can change, so treat it as time-sensitive and verify the latest notice before heading out. Tourism

If you need an official contact point, the same listing provides a phone number: 04-22289111#58511. Tourism

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## Route overview: what you’re actually hiking
Start: Changqing Bridge (長青橋)
End/connection: Links to Dakeng Trail No. 5 Tourism

This is not a long “walk in the woods.” It’s a compact climb where the gradient does most of the talking. Official descriptions emphasize:
– a consistently steep slope across the route Tourism
– a ridge-walking feel that tests “physical strength and courage” Tourism
– excellent views over Taichung and the surrounding Dakeng Scenic Area because parts of the trail have less shade / fewer trees blocking sightlines Tourism

### The famous “Jelly Leg Slope”
Taichung Tourism calls out a ~300-meter, almost vertical segment—steep enough that it has its own nickname: “Jelly Leg Slope.” Tourism
Translation: even experienced hikers often slow down here, and descending demands just as much attention as climbing.

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## What makes Trail No. 4 different from “normal” city hikes
If you’re comparing Dakeng No. 4 to a typical urban greenway or forest park loop, the differences are practical:

– Steep wooden-step sections: The official page mentions two segments with ~60-degree “sleeper-wood” steps and explicitly recommends non-slip/work gloves so you can hold rails safely. Tourism
– Sun exposure: Less vegetative cover on parts of the route means you’ll feel sun and heat more directly. Tourism
– Short distance, high effort: At 1.9 km, this is a “short-but-hard” profile—useful if you want a time-efficient climb, risky if you underestimate it. Tourism

Semantically, you’ll see it described as a steep hiking trail, ridge route, Taichung city-view hike, and a Dakeng Scenic Area classic—all accurate, without pretending it’s beginner-friendly. Tourism

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## Getting to the trailhead (what the official listing actually says)
The Taichung Tourism listing describes the approach like this (paraphrased, keeping it factual):

From Dakeng Traffic Circle, turn toward Hengkeng Lane, then Liankeng Lane; pass Zhongzheng Camping Area and the parking lot to reach Changqing Bridge, where the trail entrance is located. Tourism

(If you’re navigating by map, the listing’s address is “Unnamed Road 406, Beitun Dist., Taichung City.” Tourism)

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## Safety, inclusivity, and who should think twice
Taichung Tourism includes specific caution language worth taking seriously:

– The route is steep enough that the site suggests older adults and people with high blood pressure should avoid Trails 1–5 and 5-1 (which includes No. 4). Tourism
– Because you must return the same way (“out-and-back”), you should judge your turnaround time realistically, not just your uphill pace. Tourism

Accessibility note (plain reality): with very steep sections and the need to hold rails on sharp inclines, this trail is unlikely to be suitable for many mobility limitations. That’s not a value judgment—it’s just matching the terrain to visitor needs based on the official steepness/structure notes. Tourism

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## What to bring (grounded in official prep guidance)
The official “pre-trip preparation” section recommends:
– Reusable water bottle + drinking water Tourism
– Proper hiking shoes/clothing + sun hat Tourism
– Light-colored long sleeves/pants and insect repellent because mountain mosquitoes/bugs are common Tourism
– Non-slip/work gloves for gripping rails on steep wooden-step segments Tourism

If you do only one extra thing: bring the gloves. The trail design makes hand support a real safety factor, not a “nice to have.” Tourism

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## Trail etiquette: small actions that keep Dakeng working
Taichung Tourism’s guidance is direct:
– Pack out your trash Tourism
– Don’t feed or disturb wildlife Tourism
– No fires / cooking on the trail to reduce wildfire risk Tourism
– If you see hornet nests, keep distance; avoid strong scents and overly bright clothing that may increase attention from hornets Tourism

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## Jump links within this article (internal)
– Current status & closure check
– Packing list & prep

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### Data freshness note
Because the official pages explicitly label Trail No. 4 as renovating/closed due to storm-related repairs, any plan based on “typical conditions” is potentially outdated until the closure notice is lifted. Always re-check the official listing close to departure. Tourism

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Dakeng Trail No 4

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