Ma-ao Trail Introduction
The name of the Malaolu Trail originates from the old name of Chenggong Township, which was Malaolu. According to historical records, the Ami people first settled in this area during the early Qing Dynasty, forming a community. The total length of the trail is 1.12 kilometers, and at the end of the trail is the famous Rainbow Waterfall (Xingang Waterfall). This trail was originally an old water collection pathway for the locals, leading to the area beneath the Rainbow Waterfall. As this trail serves as an important water source for Chenggong Township, its construction differs from typical hiking trails, primarily adhering to the principle of not contaminating the water source. It employs the most natural methods and materials; the pathway materials are not treated for preservation, and it is renovated using ecological techniques to make it easily accessible for the public. At the entrance of the trail, there is a white banyan tree with a trunk diameter of over 60 centimeters standing robustly on the cliff, with roots that grow like an arch, creating a very interesting and unique shape. As you walk along the creek valley section, you can occasionally hear a "chirp" sound. Most people assume it is the call of a type of bird, but in fact, it is the unique croaking of the Dicroglossus ausentrum frog, which often confuses beginner birdwatchers and is thus also referred to as a "deceptive bird."
