Caoling Old Trail Introduction
The Caoling Historic Trail is a section of the ancient Dalan Trail opened by the ancestors. The most well-known path stretches from the Yuanwangkeng area in Gongliao District, New Taipei City, to the Dali area in Toucheng Township, Yilan County, covering a total length of 8.5 kilometers. This mountainous route passes through Caoling, located at the border of New Taipei City and Yilan County, and features two important stone monuments that have made the "Caoling Historic Trail" widely renowned. The path was laid using southern road construction techniques and has been widened by the Japanese during their rule, and has since attracted attention from various organizations after Taiwan's restoration. Each autumn, the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area Administration promotes the silver grass season, making the historic trail a popular hiking path among the public. The trail from Yuanwangkeng to the Dali Visitor Center is mainly paved with blue stone. At its highest point, one can enjoy a distant view of Fulong Beach and the Maao area in Gongliao; the weather here changes rapidly, allowing one to see different scenery within minutes, which is truly breathtaking. The starting point of the trail at Yuanwangkeng entrance is a riverside park where visitors can play in the water, but safety precautions are necessary. After about ten minutes of walking uphill from the entrance, you will reach the Die Sima Bridge. After crossing the bridge, the incline becomes steeper, and stairs begin to appear more frequently. Walking along the stairs for about sixty minutes will take you to the high ground of Caoling, where after passing Xianjiyan, the "Xiongzhen Manyan" monument will be right before you. This section of the Caoling Historic Trail is covered with fallen leaves in autumn, enhancing its ancient charm. Continuing from the "Xiongzhen Manyan" monument for another fifteen minutes, the forest gradually disappears, and the main vegetation shifts from trees to shrubs, leading to the "Huzibi" monument. Beyond the "Huzibi," the area is filled with tall silver grass, aptly reflecting its name "Caoling." From the lookout pavilion at the Yawkou, one can see the distant coastline and the Yilan Line railway, as well as Turtle Island across the sea. After the Yawkou lookout pavilion, you can either turn back or walk for about an hour to reach the Dali Visitor Service Center, concluding your journey along the Caoling Historic Trail.
