The Baiyang Waterfall Trail in Taroko Gorge is a beautiful and gentle walk that can be done by almost anyone. The hike begins just a bit north of Tianxiang with an eerie walk through an unlit 100m tunnel.
Last time I was here the first tunnel was shut because of an enormous landslide, and we had to take the tougher route over the mountains from Tianxiang to get to the other side of the tunnel. We walked the rest of the trail only to find the final bridge had been washed away and we couldn’t get over to see the waterfall in full. But, now the tunnel’s been reopened and the final concrete bridge that takes you over to waterfall viewing platform has been rebuilt.
The trail was originally built by the Taipower company. Back in the 70s and 80s, there was an idea that Taroko Gorge could be dammed for hyroelecttric power and this road was built as part of that project. Luckily the plan never came came to fruition and the national park was left with a great trail.
The walk follows the old road, passing by a number of tunnels. It’s only about 2 km long, but a very pleasant walk.
Once you reach the concrete bridge, you can go left to see the waterfall or right to get to the Water Curtain Tunnel. When this tunnel was built, water began to cascade into it. It’s a spectacular sight, but rain gear or an umbrella is a must otherwise you’ll end up soaked.
The trail stops at the other end of the tunnel. I had a quick look and it seems like the road has collapsed in a number of places so that’s as far as you can go.
Some more photos here
The trail starts here 24.185122,121.489939
If you’re interested in hiking in Taroko Gorge, contact us at Taiwan Adventures
Wow – absolutely amazing place! Thanks for sharing these awesome pictures
If the weather stays good I should be able to hike this during CNY. It’s a waterfall that I haven’t been to yet.
Is the wild hot-spring (and trail) above Tianxiang still closed?
The Wenshan Hot Springs are open. The old pools don’t have any water, but the water flows into the river and people build their own pools there.
Are you still in Taiwan? How were you able to find all these really cool spots? Just by word of mouth?
Yes, through word of mouth, Taiwanese blogs, and sometimes maps.
Hello! I am Taiwanese. I really like your blog. Keep going.
Thanks!
Nice blog! I will be self-driving to Taroko Gorge and was wondering where do i park the car and start the baiyang waterfall trail.
I click on yr link to the start point, but from google maps at the spot 24.185122,121.489939, the street view of the tunnel doesn’t seem to have any entrance. Could I know how to do the trail?
Thanks!
The tunnel which is the start of the trail is in the tunnel for the road. It’s very well signposted and easy to find.
Man how do you find these places?! I’m taking a few months out to go travelling before I put it off again and thinking about a tour of Asia. Any places you can recommend to go?
Taroko Gorge is definitely worth visiting. If you’re into hiking, then doing Snow Mountain would be good as well.
Stu
Although it’s a short hike, it features some great views. The water curtain tunnel is beautiful. Great photos!
Hi, this is such a great blog! The pictures are amazing. 🙂 My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Taipei & Hualien areas in late Dec, and we’re hoping to get some advice on hiking trails. We are very amateur really, the biggest achievement thus far was hiking up Bukhansan in Seoul during summertime, which is about 800m high. We’re from Singapore, so we’re really not that great with colder climate too! We’re looking for one-day return trails, and will be eternally grateful to have some suggestions. Do share your experiences should you have some time to spare. Meantime, keep up with this super awesome blog! 🙂 Thanks.
This underground tunnel looks beautiful. You did a nice job of capturing the beauty of it with your photos.
Looks like such an awesome place! Must put it on my list
Hi~Stu, I love to read your blog. Your introduce are amazing and practical.
I went Baiyang last year. Yes, it is impressive, worthy to visit again !
Wow. Amazing scenery.
Any chance a hike between 27/12/15 to 3/1/16?
Thanks
There might be. We typically announce trips around 3 months in advance.
Stu
Heya. I was here two days ago. Trail is closed. Possibly reopening in December (according to the park people)… wenshan is ‘closed’ but you can pull yourself round the closed gate and walk down (carefully) to the bottom where the ‘pools’ are. the “handmade” pools – no one was using those. there was a deeper pool around the corner where people were soaking themselves 🙂
Hello Stu, nice post and blog! Taroko is definitely a place worth visiting. Do you have any contact email where i could be sending you details about a possible collaboration?
stuartdawson42 at gmail.com