Overview & fast facts
With a name like Pineapple Mountain, you can bet that it comes with an amusing origin story. Allegedly, this destination is so named because locals who came across the unique rock formations drew parallels to the cracked crust of Hong Kong’s famous pineapple buns. We rather think it bears more resemblance to miniature Grand Canyon.
Getting to Pineapple Mountain is less of a hike, with a short trail that is steep at the start and quite leisurely the rest of the way. The route will take you up Leung Tin Au and along to the Leung Tin Au Gorge, where you’ll find Pineapple Mountain. If you’re wanting to make a quick run of it, you can easily tackle the hike in a two-hour round-trip, but we would recommend finishing it off at Pak Nai Beach for a full excursion. Proper footwear is highly recommended should you wish to tackle this trail, as the path around the rocks can be treacherous, filled with sandy and slippery areas.
Although the start of the hike to Pineapple Mountain is shaded in certain areas, you’ll still need to prepare ahead with adequate sun protection, as the trail will eventually lead you out into the exposed sun. Plenty of water is needed as well, as there are no kiosks along the way. All in all, this is a manageable workout for hikers of all levels.
Important: Some parts of the route to Pineapple Mountain are located close to the Tsing Shan Firing Range, which is occasionally used for military exercises. Before embarking on your trip, make sure to check the firing schedule on this government website to avoid disappointment.
Distance: 6 kilometres approx.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Total ascent: 235 metres approx.
Total time: 3 hours approx.