Elder Rock Introduction
Old Man Rock, as the name suggests, resembles an elderly figure weathered by time. By traversing the grassy plains of Red Head Village and climbing over cliffs, you can reach Old Man Rock, which is composed of coral reefs. From the sea, Old Man Rock is particularly striking; the rock formations exude a distinct exotic island flavor and showcase a unique landscape. The geological composition of Orchid Island predominantly consists of andesitic lava with amphibole, basaltic conglomerates, along with Quaternary red soil layers, uplifted coral reefs, and Holocene alluvial, colluvial layers, and coastal skirt reefs. Through the natural processes of coastal erosion and weathering, these elements have shaped the island's most fascinating rock landscapes. Old Man Rock is a coastal erosion landform surrounded by a volcanic crater, making climbing difficult due to the towering rocks. At the summit, it harbors the precious Taiwan Red Pine unique to Orchid Island. Because this tree grows at the summit and is not easily accessible, it has avoided human destruction and remains a well-preserved botanical feature. Besides Old Man Rock, other famous rock formations on Orchid Island include Red Head Rock, Crocodile Rock, Twin Lions Rock, Dragon Head Rock, Chicken Rock, Jade Girl Rock, Five Holes Cave, Tank Rock, Steel Helmet Rock, Steamed Bun Rock, and Battleship Rock.
