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Best trails in Taroko National Park

Best trails in Taroko National Park

4.5(1,631 reviews)

·

Taiwan
: 
#4 of 6 national parks

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Taroko National Park features the Taroko Gorge, a landmark of the park which was carved by Liwu River. This park was first called Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park due to Taiwan being apart of Japan's Empire in the past however after World War II, China took over and renamed this park to Taroko National Park.

This park features 27 peaks including the popular Baiyu Peak. Visitors can check out the stunning views of Qingshui Cliff, hike along the trail of Shakadang River, or watch the rushing water of waterfalls on the Baiyang Trail. Make sure to stop by and look at the marble gorge of Taroko.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Hehuan North Peak Trail

    4.8 (171)·Hard·3.4 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    The hike involves a steep and steady climb to the summit. The entire trail is above the treeline, traversing an exposed ridgeline covered in alpine meadows of dwarf bamboo and rhododendrons. The path is well-defined. Near the summit is a small, famous reflecting pond that creates beautiful images on calm days. A large microwave reflector marks the peak itself and offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the surrounding peaks of the Central Mountain Range.

  2. #2 - Shakadang Trail

    4.6 (181)·Hard·8.1 mi·Est. 7.5–8 hr
    This trail is a spectacular journey that is carved directly into the side of a massive, solid marble cliff face, following the Shakadang River upstream. The main highlight of the walk is the river itself, which flows over giant white marble boulders and has a stunning turquoise blue color. Visitors will be walking through a lush, subtropical forest, with the towering marble walls of the gorge high above them. "Shakadang" is a Truku word meaning "molar tooth," which refers to the large rocks...

  3. #3 - Hehuanshan East Peak Trail

    4.8 (115)·Moderate·1.3 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    The Hehuan East Peak Trail is an ascent up a long wooden and stone staircase straight up the mountain's face. As hikers make strenuous climbs, they can spot the concrete foundations of the old ski lift pylons still embedded in the mountainside, tangible remnants of the area's past as a winter sports destination. The reward is a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Central Mountain Range.

  4. #4 - Dekalun Trail

    4.4 (83)·Moderate·1.9 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This trail begins near the Taroko National Park Headquarters and ascends up the hillside via numerous wooden stairs and stone steps. The trail ascends through a verdant forest, offering shade and occasional respite at leisure platforms strategically placed at high points along the way. Upon completing this steep section, hikers are rewarded with a commanding view that looks down on the Liwu River gently flowing into the sea, the Xincheng Mountain on the opposite side, and the extensive Liwu...

  5. #5 - Baiyang Waterfall Trail

    4.4 (109)·Hard·3.3 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Baiyang Waterfall Trail / Baiyang Trail (白楊步道) The Baiyang Trail takes visitors through tunnels, valleys, and caves. The main attraction is the Water Curtain Cave/ Baiyang Trail Shuilian Cave (白楊步道水簾洞) and Baiyang Falls (白楊瀑布). The views of the landscape are gorgeous! Visitors can see towering forests, stunning cliffs, and the roaring river. It is recommended to have a flashlight as the tunnels can be dark and difficult to navigate.

  6. #6 - Mount Shimen

    4.6 (81)·Moderate·1.5 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    The Mount Shimen trail is one of Taiwan's 100 classic "Baiyue" peaks. The trail begins right off the main road near the Hehuan Pass. A well-maintained path of stone steps and boardwalks leads directly to the summit, which provides a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Hehuanshan peaks and the Central Mountain Range.

  7. #7 - Mount Hehuan

    4.7 (96)·Moderate·2.3 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    The Hehuan Main Peak trail offers a gentle walk. It follows a paved service road and well-defined tracks from the main highway to the summit, which provides a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Hehuanshan range and the endless sea of peaks of the Central Mountain Range. The landscape is an expanse of hardy alpine flora, primarily vast fields of Yushan cane and low-lying rhododendron bushes that burst with color in the spring.

  8. #8 - Luishui-Wenshan Trail

    4.5 (91)·Hard·3.3 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Luishui-Wenshan Trail (綠水文山步道) Beautiful trail through the mountains that follows an old Japanese police route from 80+ years ago. Steep climbs on both ends (particularly from the east/south trail head) with a ridge running/contouring trail in the middle. Fantastic overlooks into and across the mountains and you also walk through 3 ruins from old settlements of the natives (these are not particularly impressive, but have informative signs). Parts of the trail are narrow and steep and...

  9. #9 - Hehuan North and West Peak

    4.7 (52)·Hard·9.3 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    This trail combines the ascent of Hehuan North Peak with the extension to Hehuan West Peak. The trail traverses a high-altitude ridge infamous for its series of seven "false peaks"—hikers must descend steeply and then repeatedly regain elevation. The West Peak is a low, grassy summit. At the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

  10. #10 - Xiaozhuilu Trail

    4.0 (41)·Moderate·1.6 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    The Xiaozhuilu Trail begins near the entrance of the popular Shakadang Trail. After crossing a suspension bridge high above the Liwu River, the path narrows and follows a wooden walkway and staircase built directly into the face of a marble cliff. This well-maintained trail showcases the magnificent geology and impressive trail engineering for which Taroko is famous.
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Taroko National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Taroko National Park is Hehuan North Peak Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 172 reviews. This trail is 3.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,696 ft.

What is the longest trail in Taroko National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Taroko National Park is Wuling Pass East (Taiwan KOM Challenge). This trail is estimated to be 54.5 mi long.

How many trails are in Taroko National Park?

There are 38 trails in Taroko National Park.These trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Taroko National Park?

Wuling Pass East (Taiwan KOM Challenge) has the most elevation gain with 24,950 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Zhongyangjian Mountain, which has 14,192 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Taroko National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 12 camping trails in Taroko National Park and the most popular is Hehuan North Peak Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 172 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Taroko National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Taroko National Park and the most popular is Shakadang Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 181 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Taroko National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Taroko National Park and the most popular is Hehuan Creek Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 20 community reviews.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Taroko National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Taroko National Park, including Baiyang Waterfall Trail and Mount Pilu.

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Taroko National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with historical ruins in Taroko National Park, including Hehuanshan East Peak Trail, Luishui-Wenshan Trail, Hehuanshan East Peak to Shimen, and Zhuilu Old Road [CLOSED].

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Taroko National Park?

Yes, there are 23 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Taroko National Park, including Hehuan North Peak Trail, Hehuanshan East Peak Trail, Dekalun Trail, Mount Shimen, and Mount Hehuan.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Taroko National Park?

Yes, there are 16 trails with scenic viewpoints in Taroko National Park, including Hehuan North Peak Trail, Shakadang Trail, Dekalun Trail, Baiyang Waterfall Trail, and Mount Hehuan.

Are there any trails with rivers in Taroko National Park?

Yes, there are 14 trails with rivers in Taroko National Park, including Shakadang Trail, Baiyang Waterfall Trail, Luishui-Wenshan Trail, Xiaozhuilu Trail, and Shakadang and Tongli Loop.

Are there any trails with huts in Taroko National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with huts in Taroko National Park, including Nanhu Peaks via Siyuan Trail, Mount Lingming and Mount Shuan via Forest Road #730, and Zhongyangjian Mountain.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Taroko National Park?

Are there any trails with hot springs in Taroko National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a hot spring in Taroko National Park: Luishui-Wenshan Trail.

Are there any trails with ponds in Taroko National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with ponds in Taroko National Park, including Hehuan North and West Peak, Black Shuitang Mountain Section, Mount Qilai North Peak and Main Peak, and Qilai North Peak.

Are there any trails with springs in Taroko National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a spring in Taroko National Park: Nanhu Peaks via Siyuan Trail.