Taroko National Park is the fourth national park of Taiwan. The park spans Hualien County, Nantou County, and Taichung City. The national park was named after Taroko Gorge, the landmark gorge of the park carved by the Liwu River. One of Taiwan’s Eight Wonders, Taroko National Park is a must visit when traveling to Taiwan especially the grand canyons and spectacular mountains creating the most mesmerizing landscape on the island. The climate is subtropical and generally mild in most parts of the park. The force behind the steep valleys and narrow canyons is a relatively fast rate of uplift combined with ample water of Liwu River. The park has over 1,500 species of animals and 1,100 species of insects. Research indicates that one-third of the vascular plants-found in Taiwan can be found within the park. Half the species of mammals found in Taiwan are also present here. In addition, ninety percent of the resident species of birds in Taiwan, and over half of the butterfly species can also be encountered in the park. Taroko National Park is ideal for visitors keen on discovering the joys of nature.
Day Hikes in Taroko
Here are some must visit renowned trails for hiking lovers. Enjoy your day hikes in Taroko National Park.
Xiaozhuilu Trail
The length of the trail is 650 meters and requires about 20 minutes walk for one way. From the eastern entrance of Xiaozhuilu Trail cliff terrain that resembles Zhuilu Cliff can be seen, which is why Xiaozhuilu (Little Zhuilu) was so named. From the trail, the beautiful river gorge of the lower reaches of the Liwu River can be viewed. The vegetation along the trail is also well worth observing.
Taroko Terrace Trail
With a length of 1km, the trail can be divided into the southern section near Liwu River and the northern section from the parking lot to the administrative center. It starts out at the Taroko Visitor Center, where all visitors to the park are recommended to stop by before starting off on their explorations and takes only about 30 minutes to complete. It is a comfortable trail on the whole with nice landscape.
Dekalun Trail
The length of the trail is 1.3km and takes about a 3-hour walk for round trip. The trail got its name from the Taroko Dekalun tribe. It’s a well-designed trail with two parts which are the zigzag ladder part and the natural stone surface. There are also resting platforms and lookout spots for visitors to enjoy the diverse landforms.
Lushui-Heliu Trail
With a total length of 2km, this trail is part of the Old Hehuan Mountain Rd that runs above the highway along a cliff, with fantastic views of the Liwu River. Start from Lushui Geological Exhibition Hall and end at Heliu Campground, Lushui-Heliu Trail is a relatively flat and easy hiking family-friendly trail.
Baiyang Trail
Baiyang Trail is characterized by the number of tunnels. Beginning with the entrance tunnel of 380 meters to the last tunnel before Water Curtain, travelers will pass through seven tunnels along this 2 km trail. The 4 km round trip takes about 1.5 hour. Besides the fascinating valley sceneries, the observation of birds and insects can also be enjoyed while hiking the trail.
Shakadang Trail
Shakadang means "molar" in Taroko's language. A total length of about 4.1km to the 3D Cabin (Sanjianwu). The quiet banks of Shakadang River offer an excellent location for admirers of insects, birds and butterflies. Please turn around at the 3D Cabin. The trail beyond 3D Cabin requires an entry permit to enter Dali and Datung.
Featured Hotel
Travel Road Motel No.255, Chongqing Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County 970, Taiwan
Located in Hualien, Travel Road Motel is a convenient accommodation for the guests to explore this vibrant city. The hotel provides easy access to important town facilities. Also within easy reach are Rainbow Night Market, Hualien Cultural, Creative Industries Park, and Pine Garden.
Da Shih Hotel No.495, Zhongzheng Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County 970, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Da Shih Hotel is centrally located in Hualien City with easy access to Taroko National Park, Buluowan, Taroko Gorge, Tunnel of Nine Turns and many other splendid Hualien attractions for your Taiwan travel.
