10 Hiking Trails to Hit With Your Dog this Season
- Exploring Dogs
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Now that the weather is cooling down in Hong Kong, it's time to hit the trails and explore the great outdoors with our puppers!*
*Before you scroll down to the trails, please be reminded to carefully research each of these trails before setting off, and to assess both yours and your dog's hiking ability before attempting any of these hikes!
For tips on hiking with pups in Hong Kong, see our related articles below!
Hiking Trails
Beginner Trails
The Peak Circular Walk
Type: Loop
Estimated Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Trail Features: The Peak Circular walk is a nice loop from the Peak Galleria, and is paved, making it stroller-friendly for those looking to do a walk with the family.
This walk is popular with tourists due to its views over the Hong Kong island city skyline, so be sure to do this one early to avoid the crowds.
Add on High West for a bit more of a challenge or a glimpse of sunset, or alternatively head to Victoria Peak Gardens (pictured) for picturesque lawns.
There are plenty of water stations, shaded rest areas, and toilets along this trail, making it the perfect hike for beginners.
Red Incense Burner Summit
Type: Point-to-point
Estimated Duration: ~2 hours
Trail Features: Red Incense Burner Summit connects with Sir Cecil's Ride and is a popular hike for city folks due to its accessibility from Braemar Hill. You can get stunning views over Hong Kong island's city skyline and for the most part is shaded. End by the Braemar Hill Shopping Centre to get a coffee and/or light refreshments and one of the eateries.
Ho Pui Reservoir
Type: Loop
Estimated Duration: ~1.5 hours
Trail Features: This beautiful circular walk follows Ho Pui Reservoir and is shaded for the most part.
This is a nice gentle hike for the beginner hiker, though intermediate to advanced hikers can add on side trails to extend their walk if they wish.
Tai Tong
Type: Out-and-back
Estimated Duration: ~1.5-2 hours
Trail Features: Tai Tong country park is famous for it sweet gum woods, which leaves turn red during the winter months. It's best to arrive early if visiting during the winter as this spot can get very busy with other hikers trying to get a glimpse of the winter foliage.
Add on a short side hike to the Reservoir Island Viewpoint to see the picturesque Thousand Island Reservoir.
Intermediate Trails
Dragon’s Back
Type: Point-to-point
Estimated Duration: ~2 hours
Trail Features: One of Hong Kong's most iconic hikes, this undulating ridge gets its name for resembling the back of a dragon and has stunning views over Shek O. Start from near To Tei Wan Village end and head towards Big Wave Bay beach to end with a bowl of noodles or light refreshments.
Tai Mo Shan
Type: Out-and-back
Estimated Duration: ~3 hours
Trail Features: Walk to the highest peak in Hong Kong and take in the stunning views over the city. You'll find green grass plains, cows and plenty of off shoot trails to explore. For more of a challenge, hike to Kap Lung, Shing Mun Reservoir, Lead Mine Pass or Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls. Enjoy alfresco dining at the nearby Choi Lung restaurant for cheap and cheerful dim sum to top it all off.
Lion’s Rock
Type: Out-and-back
Estimated Duration: ~2 hours
Trail Features: Another classic Hong Kong hike is the iconic Lion Rock! Get 360-degree views over all of Hong Kong, from Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, and picturesque Victoria Harbour.
It is not uncommon to find monkeys in this area, so be sure to be respectful of the local wildlife and keep your dog leashed and or muzzled, if necessary.
Lung Ha Wan
Type: Loop
Estimated Duration: 2-3 hours
Trail Features: Lung Ha Wan Country Trail, also known as Lobster Bay, is a stunning hike in Clear Water Bay with views over the South China Sea, Sai Kung islands, including Green Egg Island. Take a short detour to see the Lung Ha Wan Rock Carving and finish back at the Shing Kee Store, by the car park, for some light refreshments and snacks.
Advanced
Mount Johnston and Ap Lei Pai
Type: Out-and-back
Estimated Duration: 2-3 hours
Trail Features: This challenging hike is a fun scramble for the advanced hiker and their dog. Scale the mountain side with the help of some ropes, though it is best not to rely on these if you can avoid it. At the top of Mount Johnston (also known as Yuk Kwai Shan) you can enjoy views over the East Lamma Channel and Lamma island. Save your legs by calling a sampan to pick you up at the end of Ap Lei Pai. *Do not attempt in summer as it is exposed, with no shade.
Sharp Peak
Type: Out-and-back
Estimated Duration: ~4-5 hours
Trail Features: This scenic trail in Sai Kung comes with plenty of coastal views, but is not for the faint of heart, with a challenging and steep incline up to Sharp Peak. If you're in luck, and the tides aren't too rough, you can head down to Ham Tin beach for a bite to eat before catching the speedboat back out to Sai Kung town to save your legs. This hike is best saved for winter as there is little to no shade, which can be deadly if attempted with dogs in the height of summer.
For the Chinese version, check out our collab post with Petpetholic on Instagram! Follow @ExploringDogs for more hiking inspo and join the pack for our next monthly hike!
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