Top 5 Best Trail Running Routes in Hong Kong
Known for its bustling urban landscape, Hong Kong also boasts some of Asia’s most spectacular trail-running routes. The top destinations for trail runners include the Hong Kong Trail, Lantau Trail, MacLehose Trail, and Wilson Trail, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking views.
Want to give yourself a go at trail running but don’t know where to start? This Pacific Prime Hong Kong article will guide you through the top 5 best trail running routes in Hong Kong, helping you discover the perfect path for your skill level and preferences.
While trail running is an exhilarating way to explore Hong Kong’s natural beauty, it’s important to prioritize safety. Before hitting the trails, consider securing comprehensive health insurance to ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen incidents.
Trail Running in Hong Kong
Hong Kong may be one of the last places a hiker would think to go. However, almost 40 percent of Hong Kong is a protected area that includes beaches, mountains, lush forests, and green meadows covered in beautifully marked trails.
Furthermore, Hong Kong also has 23 parks accessible by car or taxi, all of which have plenty of space for hikers and trail runners. In fact, many experienced hikers say there’s no place like Hong Kong to escape the urban jungle so easily.
Running Season in Hong Kong
Because of the sweltering summer heat, the running season in Hong Kong starts in October and ends in May, when temperatures grow too warm for the average trail runner. During the high season, Hong Kong boasts a vibrant running community, with over 60,000 runners participating in the last Hong Kong Marathon. Other hiking races of between 10 and 40 kilometers happen almost every weekend.
Hong Kong Trail (50 kilometers)
This scenic trail traverses five country parks on Hong Kong Island and is divided into eight sections, offering a well-balanced mix for both novice and experienced hikers. Hong Kong Island is an ideal destination for trail runners, as it’s just a short taxi ride from the heart of the city. The trail begins at the entrance to Parkview Residences, a gateway to a wide variety of well-maintained paths.
Although many of the trails are paved, which may disappoint some runners, it ensures they are well-marked and accessible, with clear signage indicating the difficulty based on gradient, length, and ruggedness. You’ll also find helpful information on public transport access points, making it easy to plan your start or finish.
Despite the pavement, adventurous hikers can still find rockier, unmarked detours to satisfy their craving for a more rugged experience. South of Parkview lies the famous “Twins Trail,” where the reward for climbing over 1,000 steps is a breathtaking view of the beaches and the southern coast of Hong Kong Island.
Whether you’re looking for a quick run after work or a more leisurely afternoon hike, this trail offers plenty of variety and stunning scenery.
Pacific Prime’s Top Tip: With no official campsites on Hong Kong Island, you have two options. Go light and batter all 50 km in one go, or bring along a tent and rough it in a makeshift site for one night and split the hike over two days.
Lantau Trail (70 Kilometers)
The Lantau Twin Peaks Race in early October is the 20-kilometer race (with a 15-kilometer option) that kicks off the running season in Hong Kong, scaling Lantau Peak to a total elevation gain/loss of over 3,000 meters.
Like many trials in Hong Kong, Lantau is divided into 12 sections, the first starting at Mui Wo Pier. Each trail is well-marked and hikers will find signs giving clear instructions including directions, trail names, and distances for hiking between sections. These information boards are at every junction between each section, with distance posts every 500 meters to help hikers stay on track geographically.
Mind you, you’ll need to be relatively fit for this trail! The going can be tough depending on which section you take, and be prepared to take on a lot of stairs. It’s a mountain, after all. There’ll be long climbs and steep, taxing descents.
But once you reach the peak, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of land and sea. After a long hike, reward yourself with a seafood dinner in Mai Po before jumping on the ferry back to Hong Kong.
Pacific Prime’s Top Tip: Pack snacks and lots of water, because there won’t be any for sale along the way! Also, start early and avoid getting caught in the dark.
MacLehose Trail (100 Kilometers)
The longest trail in Hong Kong, the beautiful MacLehose comprises 10 sections with varying degrees of difficulty, winding through the countryside of the New Territories. Hike times range from one and a half to five hours, allowing you to traverse diverse, natural scenery while avoiding most signs of civilization.
Starting in Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung, the trail is well-marked with posts at 500-meter intervals. On the east coast, the trail is wild and deeply indented, crossing several of Hong Kong’s highest peaks, and finishing in the west at some of Hong Kong’s most scenic valley reservoirs.
Pacific Prime’s Top Tip: Take a green taxi from Sai Kung Town to the High Island Reservoir East Dam and start your hike there for a more scenic route.
Wilson Trail (80 kilometers)
While not as long as the spectacular MacLehose Trail, the Wilson Trail is arguably the most interesting of Hong Kong’s four long-distance trails. Unlike the MacLehose, which avoids civilization, the Wilson Trail crosses eight country parks, with only 15 kilometers passing through non-park areas.
This trail offers a glimpse of Hong Kong village life, with large sections on surfaced roads. Most of the hike follows forested hillside paths, providing a mix of moderate hiking conditions, with a few strenuous sections.
Pacific Prime’s Top Tip: Start your hike at Quarry Bay MTR station to explore the iconic “Jacob’s Ladder” staircase early on, and make sure to bring plenty of water for the more challenging segments.
Stay Active and Protected on Hong Kong’s Trails
Trail running in Hong Kong is an exhilarating way to stay active and enjoy the city’s natural beauty. Whether you’re tackling the rugged paths of the Wilson Trail or enjoying a scenic run along the Hong Kong Trail, prioritizing your health is key.
As you push your limits and explore these iconic routes, it’s also essential to safeguard your wellbeing with international health insurance.
With over two decades of experience, Pacific Prime specializes in helping expats secure the best international health insurance for their requirements and budget. Our team of insurance specialists is trained to compare and choose a policy from world-renowned insurance providers, and offer value-added services.
Contact us for impartial advice and an obligation-free quote today!
After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.
Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
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