Doi
Inthanon: Walking Trails
As
a result of the long occupation by hill tribe people, there
are many footpaths on Doi Inthanon. A number of the main tracks
have evolved into single-lane motorcycle and truck roads providing
access to villages. Most walking trails in the park are not
signed at the trailhead nor marked along the route. It is
advisable, therefore, to contact the Park Headquarters, if
you want to do some walking.
Gew
Mae Pan Trail: One
of the most beautiful and rewarding walks in the park is a
new trail which begins a short distance up the main summit
road from the royal chedi. The path leads for a kilometer
or more through dense, moist evergreen forest, then emerges
and follows the top of a steep slope bordering the canyon
headwaters of the Mae Pan River. Dotted with red rhododendron,
the trail proceeds southward for another kilometer with fine,
open views to the west, then re-enters the forest and eventually
terminates at Chedi.
The
Mae Chaem Road: This
walk is a scenic pleasure from the start at km 38 on the main
summit road. The first kilometers travel through some of the
most lush forest on the mountain and then the road comes out
into the open and follows a descending ridge with fine views.
Mae
Pan Area: This
walk starts at km 6.6 on the Mae Chaem Road at the turn-off
to Mae Pan Waterfall, marked by a sign in Thai and English.
The dirt access road descends about two kilometers to the
Ranger Station and campground and is suitable for any vehicle
although the road can be slippery on the uphill return after
a heavy rain. The area is quiet, off the beaten track, and
can be described as the backcountry of Doi Inthanon Park.
It offers a rewarding loop hike of one or two hours through
untouched terrain with small waterfalls and tumbling creeks
along most of the route. Visitors can walk the 800 meters
to Mae Pan Falls and back again, as well as the 200 meters
to Huai Sai Luaeng Falls just beyond the campground. Both
of these trails are clear and well maintained.
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