Luhuo(ku)ping Old Trail Introduction
The Lukuo (Cave) Ping Ancient Trail is a passage between a small village on the North Coast and Taipei, serving as a minor mountain crossing route. Entering from Wanli through Zhongfu Village into Kanjiao Village, there is a fork in the road where you can climb towards Daping Elementary School. After following the signs and turning right after the school, you will encounter a bus stop, where a left turn leads to the entrance of Lukuo (Cave) Ping, surrounded by sweet potato fields. Walking straight along the small path beside the irrigation ditch, you will pass by several old houses and soon reach a Tudi Gong Temple. This area falls under the jurisdiction of Yangmingshan National Park, and entering through the small path alongside the water channel, you will hear the babbling stream, enjoying the picturesque scenery with towering cypress trees, making it an excellent spot for a forest bath. Continuing straight, you will arrive at a fork in the road; the path upward leads to Lukuo (Cave) Ping, accessible to the summit, though the trail is treacherous with a slope close to 70 degrees. Though branches and ropes can aid in climbing, it is advised that those lacking physical stamina should refrain from attempting it easily. If you continue along the other path, it leads to Upper Lukuo (Cave) where terraced fields, fenced with stones, create fertile land, though currently not cultivated. The vibrant greenery adds to the beautiful landscape, and this section of the ancient trail is relatively flat. At the top of Lukuo (Cave) Ping, surrounded by mountains and various shrubs and flowers, lies a grass slope that resembles a golf course, shrouded in mist, offering stunning views. The route presents a terraced meadow reminiscent of the northern plains, primarily catering to cattle grazing and serving as a convenient path for Kanjiao towards Dalingding and Taipei. Along the ancient trail, you can see a long cattle dyke up to several dozen meters in length, connecting to Huangzui Ridge above, with Qingtian Gang to the left. This ancient trail is within an ecological protection area, and visitors must apply in advance to the national park management office before heading out.
