Youth Ridge Trail Introduction
Reopened on March 15, 2023! The trail is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and was originally a path for the residents of Ruili and Taihe to exchange goods. The two entrances are located near the Yuan Tan Ecological Park and beside the Ruili Elementary School on County Road 166. The two must-see highlights along the Youth Ridge Trail are the Swallow Cliff and Bat Cave. The Swallow Cliff, with a width of about 40 meters, features horizontally striped rock walls formed by wind erosion, dotted with numerous small holes. During spring and summer, the black-faced spoonbills collect mud and repeatedly “scoop water” under the waterfall, wetting the mud and building nests on the rock wall with their graceful movements. In the rainy season, walking the trail beneath the cliff feels as if one is walking within a waterfall cave. Another highlight is the Bat Cave, which extends over 200 meters and is a continuation of the layers of the Swallow Cliff above. The rock is a layered sandstone and shale, with the surface forming honeycomb-like openings. The largest opening is about 50 centimeters wide and 60 centimeters deep, which served as a habitat for bats in the past, hence the name “Bat Cave.” After passing through the Bat Cave, the trail leads to Haohanshan, with an elevation change of 250 meters along the Youth Ridge Trail. Although the trail is not excessively difficult, there are several steep segments, making it a route that tests endurance and perseverance. The Youth Ridge Trail is approximately 2.5 kilometers long, with two entrances: 1. Ruili Farm (formerly Ruili Mountain Villa): Located at 72.2K on County Road 166, turn onto the industrial road and walk about 200 meters to reach the entrance. 2. Ruili Elementary School: Located at 78.8K on County Road 166, the entrance is next to the bus stop, although this route is farther from the Swallow Cliff and steeper. Both entrances involve descending first before ascending. If entering from Ruili Farm and exiting at Ruili Elementary School, the fork in the Youth Ridge Trail presents a section of steps averaging a 60-degree incline with over 1,700 steps, truly challenging leg strength, taking about 2 hours one-way. If not completing the entire trail, it takes about 1.5 hours to return from the Ruili Farm entrance to the Bat Cave.
