Xiao Cuilu Trail Introduction
Due to ongoing closures of recreational service points and trails in Taroko National Park, the opening hours will be announced separately. For details, please refer to the Taroko National Park website. Taroko National Park features many trails, each with its own characteristics. Among them, the "Xiaozhuilu Trail," the "youngest" trail, is easily accessible and not very difficult, making it an excellent first stop for visitors exploring Taroko. Completed in 2014, the Xiaozhuilu Trail was damaged by a typhoon shortly after its completion and reopened only after repairs. It is a scenic trail measuring 650 meters in length. Visitors can start their walk from the Taroko Visitor Center, enter the Shakadang Tunnel to reach the East Tongfeng Exit, and arrive at the trailhead, which takes about 25 minutes to walk the entire length. The trail's terrain is diverse, featuring wooden ladders, flat forest paths, and a popular suspension bridge. The Xiaozhuilu Trail was originally a mountain path used by the Truku indigenous people to travel between Taroko Plateau and Shakadang and is named due to its cliff-like terrain resembling the "Zhuolu Ancient Trail." The trail is located in the broadleaf forest on the northern bank of the Liwu River, and along the way, visitors can enjoy views of the river's lower reaches, with a rich biodiversity on the left side where marble cliffs are abundant. Monkeys can often be seen jumping around, along with many other wild plants and animals. In addition to overlooking the expansive riverbed of the Liwu River, visitors can also see the Taroko Gate and the Jinfeng Bridge in the distance. One of the most unique features of the trail is the suspension bridge that crosses the "Qianxi Gou." This bridge is made of cables and thick ropes, only wide enough for one person to pass at a time, requiring visitors to use both hands and feet to maintain balance, similar to walking on a tightrope. Although thrilling, it is not dangerous and offers a fun experience that becomes a must-do for visitors. For those afraid of heights, there is also a "normal" flat iron bridge nearby for crossing. The trail follows the banks of the Liwu River, ascending and descending until it reaches the large red Shakadang Bridge, which connects to the Shakadang Trail. Visitors can continue to experience the dramatic stone cliffs and varied landscapes of the Shakadang River. The Shakadang Trail is especially popular due to its canyon landscape and provides a refuge from the summer sun, but this has also led to a shortage of parking spaces. The opening of the Xiaozhuilu Trail alleviates parking issues at the Shakadang Trail and allows visitors to further explore the beauty along the Liwu River. With a very low level of challenge, the Xiaozhuilu Trail is suitable for general public hiking. During the transition from winter to spring, new greenery emerges in the woods, allowing visitors to absorb phytoncides along the way and observe bird ecology. It aligns with the healthy concept of low-carbon environmentalism, making it the best way to visit Taroko.
Xiao Cuilu Trail - Experience the Fun of the Mountains and Forests 1
Xiaozuilu Trail Experience the Fun of the Mountains and Forests
