Caoling Old Trail Introduction
The Century-Old Path The Caoling Historic Trail, with a total length of 8.5 kilometers, is a highly popular hiking path in the Northeast Corner, located between Yuanwangkeng in New Taipei City and Dali in Yilan. In the past, it served as a vital route for early settlers traveling between Taipei and Yilan and is now the only remaining section of the Danlan Historic Trail. Along the path, visitors can see evergreen broadleaf forests, artificially cultivated coniferous trees, and the iconic subtropical rainforest tree, the bamboo-like pole tree. Following a gentle slope, hikers will pass by the quaint Diezima Bridge, Xianjiyan Rock, and the nationally recognized third-class monuments "Xiongzhen Manyan Stele" and "Tiger Character Stele," representing rich cultural heritage. Particularly at the Yacuo area during autumn, the seasonal winds sway the white feather grass, creating a sea of flowers on the mountain top, offering a pleasant view and making it a hiking trail that combines enjoyment of beautiful scenery and cultural appreciation. Autumn's Exclusive Beauty – Caoling Historic Trail Feather Grass Season Every November, the northeastern monsoon breezes in, and the mountains are covered with a sea of white feather grass, resembling scattered white down, adding beauty to the historic trail and attracting tens of thousands of tourists each year. Walking on the ancient stone path once traversed by our ancestors, accompanied by the romantic and beautiful autumn plume, you can fully enjoy the autumn scenery and the humanistic charm of the ancient trail. Tiger Character Stele and Xiongzhen Manyan – Cultural Monuments of Great Significance The Tiger Character Stele is said to have been created by Liu Mingdeng, the Governor of Taiwan, during his northern patrol when he encountered a strong wind at Yacuo. He drew inspiration from "Wind from the Tiger" in the Book of Changes, used the feather grass as a brush, and inscribed the character "Tiger" on the spot to ward off the strong wind and ensure the safety of travelers. The Xiongzhen Manyan is a testament to Liu Mingdeng's patrol in the sixth year of the Tongzhi era (1867), when he passed the Caoling mountain side and encountered heavy fog. He inscribed the words "Xiongzhen Manyan" to dispel the miasma. These precious historical monuments reflect the pioneering spirit of our ancestors who opened up the mountains. Yacuo – Classic Scenic Spot This concave area formed by the intersection of two mountains offers a broad view, and during the season, the sight of feather grass rolling in the wind is enchanting. Standing at the pavilion, visitors can gaze at the beautiful scenery of Guishan Island. This breathtaking view is definitely a highlight of the Caoling Historic Trail that should not be missed and is one of the must-capture angles. Management Station – A Secret Base in the Mountains There is an ancient trail lodge in the mountains, actually a management station specifically renovated in the old style. Its antiquated architectural appearance, surrounded by lush greenery, resembles a villa in the mountains. Currently, it offers affordable and simple snacks for hikers. Friends venturing up the mountain for hiking are welcome to rest and chat here, and travelers who appreciate the old-world charm should definitely stop by to enjoy the breathtaking mountain and sea views and unwind. 【Hiking Tips】 Visitors ascending the mountain are advised not to pick the feather grass, as violators may be fined according to tourism regulations. Please also carry down any trash to keep the mountain environment clean. Due to the unstable weather at higher elevations, it is recommended to dress in layers (onion style) and wear non-slip shoes while hiking, and remember to bring rain gear and enough drinking water.
