Shihpan Valley Trail Introduction
Notice: Road damage, the entire trail is closed, please pay attention to safety! Shihpan Valley in Fengshan is surrounded by mountains, with cliffs and giant rocks standing everywhere, featuring a tiered valley terrain. The dry Keng River flows through it, creating various waterfalls and pools. There are six waterfalls in total, each with its unique characteristics, making it a must-visit destination for travelers who love natural adventures and pristine landscapes. The currently planned trail is divided into two sections: the first section leads from the parking lot to the rest pavilion in Shihpan Valley, passing through a suspension bridge and stone plate path, with splendid scenic views along the way. From the bridge, one can fully appreciate the awe-inspiring sight of the towering rocks. The area around the rest pavilion is crafted like an aerial garden, with towering trees and the sounds of birds. The leaves of the camphor maple are planted with butterfly orchids and crab orchids, along with wild mountain greens, aiyu, and ginger ferns climbing on the mountain pine and maple trees, creating a refreshing and picturesque scene. Several artificial ponds beneath the trees reflect the greenery, providing a water source for birds. The birdwatching here is quite good; in the early morning, one can often see fire-capped laughing thrushes, bush warblers, grey-throated martins, crested mynas, and various species of tits socializing there. The second section ascends from the rest pavilion to the waterfall group in Shihpan Valley, where one can enjoy the beauty of the cliffs and waterfalls. If you have good physical stamina, you might consider continuing deeper into Maple Valley Waterfall. Along the way, mixed bamboo forests, secondary forests, and primitive forests become more prominent, showcasing increasingly pristine and magnificent landscapes, with even better birdwatching opportunities. This section also passes through natural rice leaf forests, Jiouhsiung Artistic Forest, and the great cliffs. The rice leaves, also known as wild boar ears or spider egg sacks, emit a fragrant aroma and are the real rice leaves of Taiwan. Locals often use these leaves to wrap rice dumplings. Jiouhsiung Artistic Forest features several uniquely shaped Jiouhsiung trees, creating a natural artistic landscape that resembles grasshoppers, centipedes, deer antlers, flying ants, and spider kings, which are quite fascinating. The great cliff rises vertically for dozens of meters, with ropes provided for climbing. Maple Valley Waterfall is the final destination, where wild maple trees grow in the valley. In late autumn, the maple leaves turn red and fall into the stream, creating a beautiful scene, thus giving the waterfall its name. The round trip from the parking lot to Maple Valley Waterfall takes about 3 to 4 hours.
