Balin Ancient Trail Ecological Park Introduction
The "Baling Ancient Trail" was originally a tribal passage built by the Atayal people in the Fuxing area. Unlike the ancient trails that circle the mountains, this trail ascends directly along the mountain ridge. Although it has fallen into disrepair over the years due to the construction of roads, it has nurtured a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna. Venturing deep into the forest, one can find dense, primitive broadleaf forests, as well as various plants such as the fragrant tree, Baling stone bamboo, bloodvine, and hanging ferns, all showcasing the beauty of the natural ecology. Today, the Taoyuan City Government has preserved the ruins of the ancient trail, reconnecting the segment from Baling Bridge to the Lala Mountain Service Center by establishing boardwalks and rope bridges along the route. The terrain and geology of the Baling area are displayed in the Butterfly Exhibit, Beetle Exhibit, Broadleaf Forest Exhibit, and Geological Museum, combined with local indigenous culture to reopen the long-silent Baling Ancient Trail, creating the "Baling Ancient Trail Ecological Park." Visitors can experience an in-depth journey that blends nature and culture. Although named "Ancient Trail," it primarily relies on newly constructed boardwalks, extending 1.28 kilometers in length, integrating the local natural landscape. Notably, the "Ecological Exploration Rope Bridge" is suspended high among the trees, allowing a close observation of the canopy ecology while experiencing the sensation of wind beneath one's feet; while walking on the rope bridge, visitors can look down and see the bloodvine weaving through the forest, feeling the thrill and different perspectives of nature. Due to the rich forest resources around Lala Mountain, four exhibition halls are planned within the ecological park, including the Butterfly Exhibit, Beetle Exhibit, Broadleaf Forest Exhibit, and Geological Museum. The bright exhibition halls showcase a variety of specimens and ecological explanations. The Butterfly Exhibit, about a five-minute walk from the visitor center, features the most representative butterflies and insect specimens of the Beiheng area, including a model of the largest Purple Swallowtail butterfly in Taiwan. The best time for butterfly watching in Lala Mountain is from March to May each year. The Beetle Exhibit, restructured from an idle pavilion, is perfect for family visits, allowing visitors to explore the world of Lala Mountain's beetles. Additionally, there is the Broadleaf Forest Exhibit that introduces the original forest landscape of Lala Mountain and an interpretation hall that displays unique geological features. Through the exhibitions, visitors can understand the ecological resource characteristics of Lala Mountain and appreciate and protect this green asset. Traversing through the exhibition halls and descending along the trail leads to a viewpoint platform, where a broad vista allows one to see both the old and new Baling Bridges, with a stunning view of the Dahan River below. If visitors wish to closely experience the beauty of the bridge, they can follow the "Flying Squirrel Corridor" to reach Baling Bridge and admire this new landmark of the Baling area up close.
