Youth Ridge Trail Introduction
Reopened on March 15, 2025! The trail is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and was originally a path for the residents of Rui Li and Tai He to exchange goods. The entrances are located near the Yuantan Ecological Park and next to Rui Li Elementary School on County Road 166. The two major highlights on the Youth Ridge Trail are the Swallow Cliff and the Bat Cave. The Swallow Cliff has a rock face about 40 meters wide, with horizontal stripes formed by wind erosion, densely covered with uniform holes. During spring and summer, the Barn Swallows collect mud at the foot of the waterfall, going back and forth to "catch water," wetting the mud and building nests on the rock wall, showcasing their graceful postures. Walking along the path under the cliff during the rainy season allows one to experience the cascading water, resembling a walk in a waterfall cave. Another highlight is the Bat Cave, which extends for over 200 meters as an extension of the upper layers of the Swallow Cliff. The rock formation is layered sandstone and shale, with honeycomb-like openings on the surface, the largest of which is about 50 centimeters wide and 60 centimeters deep, originally a habitat for bats, hence the name "Bat Cave." Beyond the Bat Cave leads to the Hero Slope, which involves a steep ascent along the Youth Ridge Trail with a height difference of 250 meters. Although the route is not overly difficult, there are many steep descents, making it a trail that tests one's perseverance and endurance. The Youth Ridge Trail is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and has two entrances: 1. Rui Li Farm (formerly Rui Li Villa): located at 72.2K on County Road 166, turn into the industrial road for about 200 meters to reach the entrance. 2. Rui Li Elementary School: located at 78.8K on County Road 166, the entrance is right next to the bus stop; this route is further from the Swallow Cliff and steeper. Both entrances begin with a downhill path followed by uphill. If entering from Rui Li Farm and exiting at Rui Li Elementary School, the fork in the Youth Ridge features a section of stairs averaging a 60-degree incline, with over 1,700 steps, truly testing leg strength, taking about 2 hours for a one-way trip. If not completing the full trail, a round trip from Rui Li Farm entrance to the Bat Cave takes about 1.5 hours.
