Caoling Old Trail Introduction
Caoling Historic Trail is a segment of the ancient Danlan Trail opened by the ancestors. The most well-known section currently runs from Yuanwangkeng in the Gongliao District of New Taipei City to the mountainous path between Dali Township in Yilan County, covering a total length of 8.5 kilometers. The trail passes through Caoling at the border of New Taipei City and Yilan County and features two important stone monuments, making the "Caoling Historic Trail" widely famous. The path was built using southern road construction techniques and has undergone widening by the Japanese and gained attention from various organizations after the restoration of Taiwan. Each year, after autumn, the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area Administration promotes the silver grass season, making this ancient path a beloved hiking trail among the public. The path from Yuanwangkeng to the Dali Visitor Center is primarily paved with bluestone. At its highest point, one can enjoy views of Fulong Beach and Gongliao Ma'ao, where the weather can change swiftly, offering different scenery within minutes, which is truly astonishing. The trailhead at the entrance of Yuanwangkeng is a riverside park where the public can enjoy the water, although safety should be a priority. After about ten minutes of ascending from the entrance, one arrives at the Die Shi Ma Bridge. After crossing the bridge, the path becomes steeper, and the steps gradually increase in number. Walking along the steps for about sixty minutes leads to the high ground of Caoling, past Xianji Rock, where the "Xiongzheng Manyan" monument comes into view. In autumn, this section of the trail is covered with fallen leaves, adding to its ancient charm. Continuing about fifteen minutes past the "Xiongzheng Manyan" monument, the forest gradually thins, transitioning from tall trees to shrubs, and the "Tiger Character Monument" appears in sight. Beyond the "Tiger Character Monument," half-human-high silver grass dominates the landscape, reflecting the name "Caoling." From the Yajiao Viewing Pavilion, one can see the distant coastline and the Yilan Line railway, as well as Turtle Island across the sea. After passing the Yajiao Viewing Pavilion, visitors can either return or walk about an hour to reach the Dali Visitor Center, concluding their journey on the Caoling Historic Trail.
