🛤️ 【Hok Tau Reservoir Family Walk (鶴藪水塘家樂徑)】 is an easy and leisure hiking trail located in the North District of the New Territories, Hong Kong. Spanning around 2.5 km, the trail loops around Hok Tau Reservoir and takes about 1 hour to complete, making it perfect for beginners and family day trips. The family walk mainly consists of gentle, paved stone paths and is well-shaded by lush trees, offering a refreshing breeze even during summertime. Some sections feature stunning, mirror-like reflections on the reservoir, earning it a reputation as a popular Instagrammable spot for “Mirror of the Sky” photos. The trail starts at Hok Tau Wai—just walk south up the driveway to reach the main dam. Passing through an experimental forest and multiple streams, the area boasts rich biodiversity, where butterflies, dragonflies, and birds are frequently spotted. —
🗺️ Geographical & Historical Background
Built in 1968 for irrigation purposes, Hok Tau Reservoir has a capacity of around 180,000 cubic metres. The reservoir is narrow with many twists and turns, fed by streams from Ping Fung Shan and Sha Lo Tung. The Hok Tau area used to be filled with terraced farming fields, and some local farms remain actively operating today. — Beyond its scenic natural views, the family walk is steeped in history and culture. Part of the trail was originally the “Fung Ma Ancient Trail”, which served as a vital route connecting Tolo Harbour and Sha Tau Kok in the old days. The trail is well-equipped with picnic areas, barbecue sites, and pavilions for visitors to rest and chill. The route finishes back at the Hok Tau Wai minibus terminus, making transport super convenient. Additionally, the trail intersects with Section 9 of the Wilson Trail, allowing hikers to extend their walk to Pat Sin Leng or Lau Shui Heung Reservoir if they are up for a longer, more challenging hike. —
📌 Quick Info
Item Details 🥾 Trail Name Hok Tau Reservoir • Family Walk 📍 Location Within Pat Sin Leng • Country Park, New Territories, Hong Kong (near Lau Shui Heung Reservoir) 📏 Distance Approx. 2.5 km (Reservoir Loop) ⏱️ Duration Approx. 1 hour (excluding breaks and photo stops) 🧭 Difficulty Beginner-friendly, perfect for newbies, families, and fur babies 🛤️ Starting Point Hok Tau Wai → Hok Tau Road → Hok Tau Reservoir Main Dam 🧗♂️ Trail Features Clockwise direction is easier; going counter-clockwise means tackling the “68 steps” staircase first. The trail is a mix of concrete paths and dirt tracks. 🌉 Photo Spots Tan Shan River, Chu Hang Bridge, Hok Tau Reservoir Main Dam 🌳 Scenic Highlights “Mirror of the sky” reservoir reflections, shaded paths, rich butterfly and dragonfly ecology, mountain streams 🏕️ Nearby Facilities BBQ sites, camping spots, Hok Tau Campsite 🧭 Distance Posts No independent distance posts; some sections overlap with the Wilson Trail — For transport, you can take green minibus 52B from Fanling MTR Station to the Hok Tau Wai terminus, then walk for about 15 minutes to reach the starting point. Combining natural ecology, historical heritage, and recreational facilities, the Hok Tau Reservoir • Family Walk is a popular choice for a Hong Kong day trip, especially for those looking for an easy walk and a peaceful escape. —
🚐 Transport Info
- Starting Point: Fanling MTR Station
- Minibus: Green Minibus 52B to “Hok Tau Wai”
- On Foot: Walk along Hok Tau Road to the Main Dam
- Return Trip: Head back the same way to Hok Tau Wai and take the minibus back
⚠️ Quick Tip: It can get very crowded on weekends and public holidays, so expect longer waiting times for the minibus. —
🥾 Hiking Route
- Starting Point: Hok Tau Wai → Walk to the Main Dam
- Direction: Clockwise (gentle slope) or Counter-clockwise (challenge the 68-step staircase)
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📸 Top Photo Spots
- 🌊 Tan Shan River: Where multiple mountain streams converge with water flowing gently—gives off total Yakushima vibes
- 🌉 Chu Hang Bridge: A scenic stream beneath a bridge, surrounded by tree canopy—perfect for photos
- 🏞️ Hok Tau Reservoir Main Dam: Offers a panoramic view of the crescent-shaped reservoir
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🐝 Nature & Wildlife
- Butterflies and dragonflies are commonly seen
- Shaded trail sections keep things cool, making it great for summer hikes
- Passes through an experimental forest area nearby
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🏕️ Nearby Facilities
Facility Description 🔥 BBQ Sites Located near Hok Tau Campsite, great for family gatherings 🏕️ Hok Tau Campsite Available for camping (advance booking/application required); can get packed on holidays 🚻 Public Toilets Located near the BBQ sites —
🚦 Hiking Tips
- 🧢 Wear lightweight hiking shoes, bring sun protection and mosquito repellent
- 📅 Head out early in the morning to beat the midday heat
- 📵 Mobile signal can be weak; downloading offline maps is highly recommended
- 🕶️ Around 60% of the trail is exposed to the sun, so gear up for sun protection
- 🗑️ Pack walk-in, pack walk-out—bring your own trash bags to keep nature clean
- 📱 Use a professional hiking map or GPS for navigation assistance
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🧭 Recommended Add-on Activities
Activity Location Description 🥘 Fanling Foodie Tour Luen Wo Hui Check out local hidden gems like Luen Wo Cafe and classic roast meat shops 🌅 Lau Shui Heung Reservoir Wilson Trail Section 9 Famous for its mirror-like reflections, perfect for photography lovers 🏕️ Hok Tau Campsite Near the Main Dam Ideal for camping and BBQ outings —
