Ever wondered what it feels like to escape city life? Here at Tai Tong Viewing Point you can find a serene escape. Tai Tong Nature Trail is also known as Tai Tong Sweet Gum Woods. This trail is famed for its stunning Sweet Gum trees.
Tai Tong Nature Trail is not just a path. It is a leisurely walk through an extensive network of trails. Be sure to follow the signs carefully. You might ask what makes Tai Tong so special. It’s the vibrant red leaves of the Sweet Gum trees in winter. People call it the “red leaves of Tai Tong.”
Imagine standing here as the leaves change color. It’s a peaceful escape from crowds. The cool and relaxing atmosphere makes Tai Tong suitable for all ages. The trails are easy and well-maintained. You can enjoy the nice view of Thousand Island Lake.
Tai Tong Nature Trail is part of Tai Lam Country Park. This park faced erosion after the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir was built in the 1950s. Conservationists and environmentalists worked hard. They transformed the area into a diverse ecosystem. Plaques along the trail detail their efforts. These plaques teach hikers about the plants and flowers here.
For history buffs, part of the Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail overlaps this nature trail. Adventurous hikers can explore many side trails.
If you are starting from Long Ping Station near Yuen Long, take the MTR bus K66 to Tai Tong Shan Road. Then, enjoy an easy uphill walk. Walk past the public bathrooms toward the intersection of Kiu Hing Road and Tai Tong Road. Follow Tai Tong Road up to the right. At the first fork, keep left. The right leads to an eco-park.
You will pass Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club. Then you will find a map board with stairs to its left. These signs point you toward the sweet gum woods. Take the stairs up to the BBQ grounds. Here, you can use the bathrooms and relax in shaded areas. There is also a beautiful view overlooking Yuen Long from Tai Tong Viewing Point.
The Tai Tong Nature Trail is mostly paved. You’ll see road signs and educational plaques. The official starting point is at the far end of the BBQ area. You will see a picnic table with a view of Yuen Long and a plaque about the area’s history. Stairs next to the table lead to a road. This road is part of the Nam Hang Pai Traditional Footpath. It once connected Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long. To the left, a footbridge leads to Nam Hang Pai. This path runs by farms and abandoned houses.
To the right, the path takes you toward the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and Kat Hing Bridge. You’ll pass an old temple set up by locals. The trail opens up to a paved road. Keep left to reach the reservoir and bridge. There are picnic benches and starting points for mountain biking trails.
Cross Kat Hing Bridge to join MacLehose Trail Section 10. This lets you walk around Tai Lam Chung Reservoir. The paved road continues to the sweet gum woods. You’ll get an overhead mountain view of Tai Lam and Tin Fu Tsai.
After the sweet gum woods, follow signs back to the BBQ grounds. From there, take Tai Tong Road to a red minibus to Yuen Long or K66 back to Long Ping Station.
If you only want to see the sweet gum woods, walk up Tai Tong Road from the BBQ grounds. Take the path to the right of the guard post. Walk past the Tai Tong First Nursery. Look for a sign for the Tai Tong Nature Trail. It has stairs and smaller signs for the sweet gums and reservoir. Pass the portable toilets to find the sweet gum trees. The best time to see the colors is mid-December to early January. For a year-round view, take the road that splits off to the right to the Reservoir Island Viewpoint.
Pause at the viewpoint. Take in the view. To leave, return the way you came. Catch the MTR bus K66 at the bottom of Tai Tong Road. Or head toward Wong Nai Tun Reservoir and exit via Yuen Long.
So, come to Tai Tong Viewing Point. Experience the serenity and beauty for yourself. It is a cool and relaxing place all year round.