A visit to the Taroko Gorge will not be complete without walking one of the many magnificent trails available. We choose the Baiyang Trail (白楊步道) which is relatively easy going. The entire trail to a beautiful high Baiyang waterfall at the end and back is 3.6km and takes about
two hours to complete.
The trail starts about 500m up the road from
Tienhsiang. Look for the tunnel on the left; you have to go through this
to get to the trail on the other side. Bring a torch as it's 380m long!
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| Entrance to the Baiyang Trail. Watch out for traffic when walking along the road! |
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| Baiying Trail Entrance |
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| Start of the 380m long tunnel walk. Bring torches. Can be rather dark. |
The Baiyang Trail features valleys, cliffs,
waterfalls, rivers, tunnels, and a huge range of flora and fauna along
the way.
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| After the 380m tunnel walk, we emerge into this setting and the trail begins! |
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| And we cross the bridge |
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| Over the bridge, a beautiful stream flows. |
At first glance, Baiyang may appear to be a mini version of the
main gorge above Liwu River, but surprises await for the adventuresome.
The two-step Baiyang Waterfall (白楊瀑布) and Water Curtain (水濂洞) are the
must-see spots while hiking this trail.
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| This is just a short distance from the entrance |
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| Nice easy walk |
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| Serene environment |
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| A place to rest our tired legs |
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| There are many tunnels, some can be rather long and this is one of them |
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| The sound of gushing waters from the river beside is always present |
On the way to the Baiyang Waterfall, there are several
tunnels you need to pass through. A flashlight is needed, otherwise you
may find the pitch-black tunnels a bit too spooky and disorientating.
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| Another view of the tunnel |
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| Enthuse ourselves with building some mini stone formations |
Beyond the tunnels, we arrive at the spectacular Baiyang Waterfall which
comes into view with its two-step drop from a 200 meter high cliff.
Nearby is an observation deck reached by bridge where you can fully
enjoy the majesty of the falls.
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| Suspension bridges abound in the Taroko Gorge and this is the main one in the Baiyang Trail |
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| They are perfectly safe to cross |
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| Another view of the bridge |
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| The spectacular Baiyang Waterfalls |
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| Another view |
Shortly after the falls, continuing another 300 meters
further you will reach the Water Curtain, which is created by spring
water falling from the tunnel roof. If you would like to experience a
natural shower, be sure to bring a raincoat with you!
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| the water curtain is in the tunnel |
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| End of the trail and time to turn back. |
HINTS
1. Water, snack, flashlight, and raincoat should be prepared for the 2 hour hike.
2. Be cautious of falling rocks when walking on the trail. Park authorities provide hard hats for visitors free of charge.
To check My Taiwan 12-Day Vacation Itinerary - See Link
Hihi thank you for your highly informative post, for taking the time and effort to take the pics and post them. May I pls check where I can collect the free helmets for the trail? Do they have kids sizes?
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