Baling Ancient Trail Ecological Park Introduction
The "Balung Ancient Trail" was originally built by the Atayal tribe as a path connecting their villages in the Fuxing mountainous area. Unlike a typical mountain trail that loops around hills, this trail ascends along the ridgeline. Although it has become neglected over the years due to the passage of time and the construction of roads, it has nurtured a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna. If one ventures into the forest, they will find dense, primitive broadleaf forests, home to plants such as Michelia compressa, Balung stone bamboo, Rattan, and Fani Lan hanging from tree trunks, all illustrating the beauty of natural ecology. Today, the Taoyuan City Government has preserved the relics of the ancient trail and has reconnected the section from Balung Bridge to the LaLa Mountain Service Center with new boardwalks and rope bridges. The terrain and landscape around Balung are showcased in the Butterfly Pavilion, Beetle Pavilion, Broadleaf Forest Pavilion, and Geological Pavilion, combining local indigenous culture to reopen the long-silent Balung Ancient Trail as the "Balung Ancient Trail Ecological Park," allowing visitors to experience a profound journey of both nature and culture. Though named "ancient trail," it primarily features newly constructed boardwalks, which stretch 1.28 kilometers. The tranquil path integrates the local natural scenery, with a unique "Ecological Exploration Rope Bridge" suspended amidst the trees, allowing one-person passage and close-up observations of the canopy ecosystem. Walking on the rope bridge provides an exhilarating feeling of lightness as one can peer down to see the Rattan weaving through the forest like a dragon, experiencing the thrill and alternative perspectives of nature. Given the abundant forest resources around LaLa Mountain, the ecological park includes four pavilions: the Butterfly Pavilion, Beetle Pavilion, Broadleaf Forest Pavilion, and Geological Pavilion. The bright exhibition halls display a variety of specimens and ecological interpretations. Visitors can reach the Butterfly Pavilion within a five-minute walk from the Visitor Center, showcasing the most representative butterflies and insect specimens from the Northern Cross-Island Highway, including a model of the largest Papiliodora in Taiwan. The best time for butterfly watching in LaLa Mountain is between March and May each year. The Beetle Pavilion, renovated from unused pavilions, is perfect for family visits, giving an overview of the beetle world in LaLa Mountain. Additionally, the Broadleaf Forest Pavilion introduces the pristine forest landscape of LaLa Mountain, while the Geological Pavilion illustrates unique geological features, allowing tourists to learn about the ecological resources of LaLa Mountain and cherish this green asset. After passing through the pavilions, visitors can proceed down the trail to the viewing platform, where they can climb to enjoy panoramic views, capturing both new and old Balung Bridges simultaneously and overlooking the magnificent scenery of the Dahan River below. For those who wish to appreciate the beauty of the bridges up close, the "Flying Squirrel Corridor" provides a direct route down to Balung Bridge, offering an intimate look at this new landmark in the Balung area.
