Monday, April 14, 2014

Taiwan 12-Day Vacation - Day 2 Part C - Baiyang Trail, Taroko Gorge

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!

Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
Entrance to the Baiyang Trail. Watch out for traffic when walking along the road!

Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
Baiying Trail Entrance

Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
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. 

Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
After the 380m tunnel walk, we emerge into this setting and the trail begins!
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
And we cross the bridge
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
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.

Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
This is just a short distance from the entrance
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
Nice easy walk
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
Serene environment

Taroko  Gorge hualien taiwan
A place to rest our tired legs
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
There are many tunnels, some can be rather long and this is one of them
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
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. 

Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
Another view of the tunnel
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
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.

Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
Suspension bridges abound in the Taroko Gorge and this is the main one in the Baiyang Trail
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
They are perfectly safe to cross
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
Another view of the bridge
 
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
The spectacular Baiyang Waterfalls
 
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
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! 
Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
the water curtain is in the tunnel

Taroko Gorge hualien taiwan
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

1 comment:

  1. 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?

    ReplyDelete