Palgongsan is not one short foliage walk. Daegu lists a 9.9-kilometre Sutaegol loop and two 11-kilometre temple-to-valley routes; the cable car is a separate way to reach the upper mountain. Choose one main route before adding stops.
The clearest loop starts and ends at Sutaegol
Daegu's recommended course 1 runs Sutaegol Valley to Dongbong Peak, then Seobong Peak and back to Sutaegol, about 9.9 kilometres. This is a substantial mountain walk, not a casual viewpoint stroll. Check current trail notices, weather and daylight before setting out, and turn back if the footing or return time no longer works.
Choose a temple-linked traverse for a different day
The city lists an approximately 11-kilometre course from Donghwasa through Yeombulbong and Sinryeongjae to Waterfall Valley. A second 11-kilometre route links the Pagyesa facility area, Pagyejae Pass, Pagyebong and Buinsa. These routes start and finish in different places; confirm the transport between endpoints before committing.
Keep the cable car separate from the hike
The cable car can reduce the initial climb, but it does not replace a route plan above the station. Check its monthly service hours and weather notices, then decide whether a short upper walk fits the same day. Autumn foliage timing changes by year and elevation, so use current mountain conditions rather than a fixed calendar date.