Ending my hiking journey in Hong Kong (during my 2019 visit), we're down to the last part of my Hong Kong Trail Hiking Guide, for now! With its reservoir in its striking turquoise color, Hong Kong Trail Section 6 takes you to Tai Tam Upper Dam!
Disclaimer: I hiked the Hong Kong Trail from West to East which is Section 1 onwards. However, it is not necessary to do it in that order. You can also start from East to West which is in reverse order (Section 8 to Section 1). Last but not least, you can also hike one section at a time. If you want to jump to a particular section, refer to my Hong Kong Trail Hiking Guide and take it from there.
Hiking Trail Overview of Hong Kong Trail Section 6:
- Section Number: #6
- Route: Tai Fung Au/Mount Parker Road to Tai Tam Road
- Distance: 4.5 kilometers
- Distance Post Numbers: #60 - #68
- Time Taken/Needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level (own opinion): 1 out of 5
How to get there and how to get out?
You probably came from Section 5 like me and that’s a good thing! Continue the hike and follow the distance posts ahead.
But if you didn’t come from Section 5 and you’re starting from scratch, follow this tip from Hiking Hong Kong and The Big Four which is to "Take Mount Parker Rd uphill (around 3km walk) from King´s Rd in Quarry Bay".
At the end of the trail, you will end up on Tai Tam Road with a map of Hong Kong Trail Section 7.
If you want to end your hike from here, walk further (straight ahead) for about 3 minutes until you see the bus stop. Wait for Bus #14 to reach Shau Kei Wan Road where you can take a bus, ding ding tram, or even the MTR Metro.
Hiking Trailhead:
Since I came from Section 5, I will guide you as someone who came from Section 5. So picking up from where we left off, if you can remember, the previous trail ends at Mount Parker Road.
On Mount Parker Road, the usual trail map can be found again. There are tables and benches too to enjoy your lunch picnic before you continue your hike. Once you are set to go, the trail is on your right if you are facing this shaded picnic site under the trees (behind the trail map). Follow the trail on the paved road.
Hiking Trail Highlights:
Hong Kong Trail Section 6's highlight is no doubt the Tai Tam Upper Dam of the Tai Tam Reservoir. Despite reaching the dam at around the early afternoon, I still enjoyed its striking color. I assumed that its color varies according to the time of the day.
It was quite exposed to the sun too so bear this in mind. Hiking on a weekday though and around that time means the area is pretty much all yours.
This scenic view is in the middle of the whole trail and you will reach this sweet spot after walking the paved road. The latter part of the trail is a short easy stroll along the woods.
If you look at the photo above, a fork at the end of the bridge is waiting for you. According to the actual trail, you have to follow the trail on the right. However, the trail on the left is the same as the right trail.
If you turn right at the fork, this view will be waiting for you. At the end of this paved road, both the left and the right trail will merge anyway. This is a small detail but I want to emphasize it to avoid confusion like what happened to me which you can read from HERE!
Finally, the short walk in the woods will start once you take the stairs. At this part, you're not far from the end of the trail. Enjoy the remaining uphill hike which is super short and easy.
Personal Thoughts:
We all have different adventure appetite or what I call ‘#hikeppetite’ to begin with. So, a good trail for me might not be a good trail for you. And that’s completely okay, we don’t need to agree with everyone all the time. Anyhow, here’s what I think about Hong Kong Trail’s Section 6:
Pros:
- Access to public transportation at the end of the trail is easy.
- Tai Tam Upper Dam and Tai Tam Reservoir is a rewarding scenic view in the middle of your easy stroll along the woods.
- The trail is family-friendly and suitable for kids. It is not as challenging as other sections and you can even enjoy a nice picnic lunch at the trailhead.
Cons:
- Access to public transportation at the trail of the trail is limited. I will suggest combining this hike with Section 5 since it is easier to reach the trailhead of Section 5.
- There are more paved roads than the dirt trail so if you don't like a paved road, bear this in mind.
- If you are looking for a challenge like Section 4, you might get bored on this trail since most parts of the trail are flat and paved/concrete trail.
Overall, I liked this section because it is easy, and relaxing, and because of the Tai Tam Upper Dam. This trail is one of my favorites too but not the best and too short for me. My ideal #hikeppetite would be Section 5 and Section 6 combined in one hike.😅
Unfortunately, my Hong Kong Trail blog series has come to an end since I wasn't able to continue to Section 7. If you want to continue the hike, check my go-to resources below. These are the blogs that I look up to and they are the resources I've used while preparing for the Hong Kong Trail. All credits belong to them and I just compiled the information to the best of my ability.
And as usual, I’ll end my blog post with my favorite reminder.
Whatever decision you make, always remember to prepare beforehand, stay safe, and last but not least, enjoy the outdoors! #happyhiking!
With lots of love,
PINAYHAKAWATI 💗
AND AS A GENTLE OUTDOOR ETHICS REMINDER:
LEAVE NO TRACE!
