The Hong Kong Trail - Section 5: From Wong Nai Chung Gap Road to Mount Parker Road
Hong Kong Trail | Section 5 | 3.5 km | Difficult
The Hong Kong Trail's Section 5 winds its way from Wong Nai Chung Gap Road to Mount Parker Road. Spanning 3.5 kilometers, this trail presents a challenging yet breathtakingly scenic route with an impressive 380 meters of elevation gain. Completing this section typically takes about 1.5 hours, though the view from Jardine's Lookout is well worth the effort. Classified as difficult, the path demands a reasonable level of fitness but rewards hikers with stunning vistas. Section 5 follows distance markers H051 to H059.
___
___
Hong Kong Trail - Section 5 - Key Facts
| From | Wong Nai Chung Gap Road |
|---|---|
| To | Mount Parker Road |
| Difficulty | ⛰️⛰️⛰️ (Difficult) |
| Distance | 3.5 km |
| Recommended Time | 1.5 hours |
| Distance Marker Start | H051 |
| Distance Marker End | H059 |
| GPX & Map | Click Here |
___
Why Hike Hong Kong Trail - Section 5
The fifth section of the Hong Kong Trail is short at just 3.5 kilometers, but with an elevation gain of about 380 meters, it is considered challenging. It typically requires around 1.5 hours to complete at a leisurely walking pace, making it an ideal morning or afternoon activity for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Section 5 of the Hong Kong Trail is renowned for its stunning scenery. The trail begins with a steep climb, offering panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the surrounding landscape. As you ascend to Jardine's Lookout and, later, Mount Butler, the vistas both north and south become increasingly breathtaking. The fast descent through Tai Tam Country Park, passing the Tai Tam Reservoirs, adds variety to the hike!
Jardine's Lookout and Mount Butler
Section 5 of the Hong Kong Trail offers one of the island’s most rewarding climbs, taking hikers up Jardine’s Lookout (433m) and Mount Butler (436m). These twin peaks deliver panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding green hills, making the steep ascent worthwhile. The trail is well-marked but challenging, with rocky paths and exposed sections that require sturdy footwear.
This approx. 4km section connects Wong Nai Chung Gap Road to Mount Parker Road, blending rugged terrain with historical significance—Jardine’s Lookout was a WWII defensive position. It’s a favorite for sunrise hikes and trail runners seeking a quick but intense workout.
___
Hong Kong Trail - Section 5: Public Transport Options
To get to the start of Section 5, take a taxi from Wan Chai or Causeway Bay, which is a swift 12-minute journey to Wong Nai Chung Gap Road. You can also take a bus and get off at the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park bus stop. Buses number 6, 66, or 63 are popular routes to take you there.
After completing the trail, walk down Mount Parker Road, which leads back into the city. You can catch a bus from here or head to Tai Koo MTR station, which is not far away.
___
Hong Kong Trail: Sections, Distance, and Difficulty
The total distance of the Hong Kong Trail is approximately. 45km with more than 1,500 cumulative elevation gain. If starting from the Peak, it is generally descending with a few large ascents. It is overall very runnable and can easily be finished in a single day, even at a slow pace. The trail is divided into eight sections:
Section 1: From The Peak To Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
- Distance: 7 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Learn More About Section 1
Section 2: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir To Peel Rise
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Learn More About Section 2
Section 3: Peel Rise To Wan Chai Gap
- Distance: 5.4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Learn More About Section 3
Section 4: Wan Chai Gap To Wong Nai Chung Gap Road
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Learn More About Section 4
Section 5: Wong Nai Chung Gap to Mount Parker Road
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Learn More About Section 5
Section 6: Mount Parker Road to Tai Tam Road
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Learn More About Section 6
Section 7: Tai Tam Road to To Tei Wan
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Learn More About Section 7
- Just a trail along a catchwater: Skip this section unless you run the entire Hong Kong Trail
Section 8: To Tei Wan to Big Wave Bay ⭐
- Distance: 7.7 km
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Learn More About Section 8
- Also known as the Dragon's Back, one of Hong Kong's most iconic hikes
