Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail, Hong Kong

Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail is an easy and shaded hike that offers incredible views of Kowloon! The trail has been my go-to whenever I need to photograph Kowloon’s skyline and density. And it’s also the best route to reach Beacon Hill.

And because it’s short, shaded, and mostly flat, it’s also a summer-friendly trail.

Map of Eagles Nest Nature Trail

The hike follows the circular 3.5 km trail at the base of Eagle’s Nest, a 305-metre hill inside Lion Rock Country Park.

Although it is possible to climb to the top of Eagle’s Nest, the trees on the summit block the scenic views of the city. However, I will point out the shortest route to Eagle’s Nest summit in this post.

If we were to divide Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail into two parts, north and south, the views of the city are only accessible in the southern part.

With that out of the way, let’s learn more about the hike.

Starting point

The start and endpoint for the Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail is the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir bus stop on Tai Po Road. This is the same bus stop that is within walking distance from the Kowloon Reservoir Hike and Maclehose Trail Sections 6 and 5.

Only two buses stop here, 72 and 81. Once you arrive at the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir bus stop, don’t be startled by the number of monkeys! Tai Po Road cuts between Kam Shan Country Park and Lion Rock Country Park, the area which is home to Hong Kong’s macaque population. They won’t bother you, as long as you don’t bother them.

If you’re coming from the Kowloon side, you will need to use the overhead bridge to cross to the other side to locate the entrance to Lion Rock Country Park and Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail.

Walk down the road for about 150 metres till you see the entrance to Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail on the left.

To the first lookout point

As the trail is a circular loop, you can either go left or right. I recommend turning right as you enter the trail.

Within a short distance, you’ll pass a picnic area. The initial section of the trail is flat and shaded. But it’s also full of macaques. Remember, if you don’t disturb them, they won’t disturb you.

Continue walking on the trail for about 750 metres till you reach the first lookout point.

It’ll be hard to miss it as it completely reveals this view!

Kowloon Peninsula lookout point

The first lookout point offers stunning views of the Kowloon Peninsula.

As the trail is located on the western side of Kowloon, the views cover everything from Stonecutters Island to Central Kowloon, with the ICC standing out like a giant! There’s even a bench at this lookout point if you feel like sitting.

After appreciating the views from here, continue walking on the trail. The next 100 metres of the trail continue to offer views alongside the trail.

After about 100-150 metres, you’ll arrive at the next lookout point.

Second lookout point

The next lookout point is my favourite. It offers similar views to the first lookout point but it’s more open.

The lookout point is on the edge which makes it feel closer to the city. If you have a drone, you can get some beautiful photos of Hong Kong and Kowloon from this point.

Also, it’s worth noting that there are two early exits to So Uk Estate on this trail. The first is located at this lookout point.

If you’re not taking the early exit, continue walking on the trail for another 100-150 metres. The trail becomes a slight uphill incline and stays that way till the next lookout point.

Third lookout point

The third lookout point feels similar to the second lookout point, but it, unfortunately, is surrounded by trees and bushes that block most of its views.

So, if the views don’t excite you, continue walking on the trail. From this point, the trail moves inland and away from the city view. It also continues on its uphill incline and becomes a bit rockier.

280 metres after the third lookout point, you’ll arrive at the second early exit to So Uk Estate. As you continue walking on the trail, you’ll notice the summit of Beacon Hill ahead. Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail offers the easiest route to hike up Beacon Hill.

The Pavilion

Soon after you’ll arrive at a pavilion on the trail. The pavilion essentially divides Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail into the north and south sides. From the pavilion, the trail moves to the north side of the Eagle’s Nest.

You can take a break at the pavilion and admire the views one last time. If for some reason you want to hike to Beacon Hill, take the steps going uphill next to the pavilion. It’s a challenging 1.3 km climb to Beacon Hill from here.

However, to continue on Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail, take the steps going downhill from the pavilion.

The northside of Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail

The final section of the Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail runs on the north side of the Eagle’s Nest hill. This section is longer than the south side (what you just covered) and lacks any lookout points, which is unfortunate.

The section is very straightforward – it’s approximately 2 km long and shaded all the way.

However, due to the lack of views, and constantly winding trail, this section feels neverending. All you can do is simply enjoy the trees and your walk in nature.

You’ll know you’re close to the end when the trail begins its descent. There are numerous steps and the trail is all downhill.

From certain spots, you should also be able to see the Kowloon Reservoir. And before you know it, you’ll arrive where you started; completing the loop.

Eagle’s Nest

As I mentioned earlier, you can make this trail more exciting by hiking up to the top of Eagle’s Nest. Along the trail, you will notice numerous paths going up the hill. In theory, you could take any of those paths and they’ll lead you to the top of Eagle’s Nest.

You can take the path next to the second exit for So Uk Estate after the third lookout point.

You can take the path from the pavilion on the north side of the trail. This pavilion comes 300 metres after the pavilion mentioned above.

Or you can take the easiest and shortest path, which is close to the entrance/exit of the trail. As you enter Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail, turn left and walk up the steps. At the fork in the steps, go right and follow the path to the top.

From the pictures I’ve seen, I believe there isn’t much of a view from the Eagle’s Nest summit.

Why is it called Eagle’s Nest?

The top of Eagle’s Nest is a roosting place for black kites (Milvus Migrans), which gives the hill its name. Eagle’s Nest is known as Tsim Shan in Cantonese because of its sharp hilltop.

Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail

The Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail is an easy, family-friendly hike that is suitable even in the summer months thanks to the shade.

You don’t have to complete the loop. You can choose to return to the starting point after visiting the second lookout point or head down to So Uk Estate for an early exit.

Alternatively, if you want to make it more challenging, you can hike to the top of Eagle’s Nest after completing the trail. Or hike to the top of Beacon Hill to take those views of Kowloon up a notch!

We hope you enjoyed our guide on the Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail. If you enjoy such shaded circular trails through the woods, we recommend the Kap Lung Forest Trail and Kap Lung Ancient Trail.

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