Answer 5:
Trail Openings and Closures in Taroko National Park
Although Provincial Highway 8 has been reopened to traffic since August 2024, it remains under time-restricted access due to ongoing road construction. Daily traffic is released five times: 06:30–08:00, 10:00-10:05, 12:00–13:00, 15:00-15:05 and 16:30–17:30. From 17:30 to 18:30, vehicles are allowed to exit but not enter, and the highway is closed at night. Road surfaces and guardrails have not yet been fully repaired, and the risk of falling rocks remains high, especially after heavy rain or earthquakes. Entry is not advised unless absolutely necessary.
The following trails are closed due to severe damage from the 403 earthquake in 2024.
A: The trails are closed from Taroko to Tianxiang (Taroko Gorge section) road section on Provincial Highway 8 (Central Cross-Island Highway) at the east side of the park.
Grade 1: (1) Shakadang Trail, Buluowan Lower Terrace Trail: (2) Meander Core trail and (3) Idas trail (Idas trail, including Buluowan suspension bridge), (4) Yanzikou trail (Swallow Grotto trail), (5) Tunnel of Nine Turns trail (Jiuqudong trail), (6) Lushui trail, and (7) Baiyang trail.
Grade 2 trails: (1) Xiaozhuilu trail, (2) Eternal Spring Shrine trail (Changchun Shrine trail), (3) Huoran Pavilion trail.
Grade 3 trails: (1) Zhuilu Old Road, (2) Lushui-Wenshan trail
Grade 4 trails: (1) Mt. Qingshui trail
B: The trails are closed on the Provincial Highway 9 (Su-hua Highway).
Grade 1: (1) Huide trail.
The following trails are currently open on the east side of the Taroko National Park:
Tianxiang Recreation Area:
Partial trails, including the Tianxiang Visitor Center, Tabiduo Trail (starting next to the Tianxiang Church), and the Xiangde Temple area (about 1 hour round trip), are open.
Bus service between the Taroko Visitor Center and Tianxiang (Taroko Gorge section) has been suspended since the earthquake on April 3, 2024. Visitors are advised to arrange their own transportation to Tianxiang (renting a car or taking a taxi).
Grade 2 Trail:
Dekalun Trail – Total length: 1.3 km. The trail is steeply uphill; please assess your physical condition before hiking.
This trail connects to the Dali–Datong Village Trail. The combined route from Dekalun to Dali is about 2.3 km one way and takes about 3–4 hours for a round trip. Both trails are challenging and involve steep ascents. Please assess your physical condition carefully before hiking.
(The starting point is from the staircase 100 meters in front of the Taroko Visitor Center, next to the flagpoles.)
Grade 3 Trail:
Trails Starting from the Taroko Visitor Center
1. Dekalun Trail
• Total length: 1.3 km
• Time required: About 1.5 hours (round trip)
• The trail is steep and mostly uphill, so please assess your physical condition before hiking.
2. Dekalun Trail → Dali–Datong Village Trail
• The Dekalun Trail connects to the Dali–Datong Village Trail.
• Distance: About 2.3 km one way (to Dali Village)
• Time required: About 3–4 hours (round trip)
• This route involves steep ascents and is considered challenging. Please assess your physical condition carefully before setting out.
Starting Point: The staircase located about 100 meters in front of the Taroko Visitor Center, next to the flagpoles.
Please bring enough water and food, as there are no shops along the trails.
3. Hiking to Datong Village
• Time required: About 10–12 hours (round trip) from the Taroko Visitor Center
• An overnight stay is recommended.
• For lodging information, please refer to the information mentioned above.
or contact Miss Dumum cell phone 0916-061753. Same-day round trips to Datong Village are not recommended.
Bring sufficient water, food, and trekking poles. There are no shops along the Dekalun, Dali, or Datong trails.
⚠️ Notice:
Due to severe damage from the April 3, 2024 earthquake, the Shakadang Trail remains closed and is under reconstruction.
For your safety, do not enter the closed trail area from Dali or Datong Village.
Another option is to visit the Mt. Hehuan area on the west side of the park. (A trip of at least 3 days, including travel from Taipei, is recommended.)
Please enter from the western side of Taiwan via Puli, Nantou County, taking Provincial Highways 14 and 14A.
A 2- to 3-day trip is recommended for hiking in the Mt. Hehuan area.
The open areas on the western side of the park include:
Guanyuan Recreation Area, Xiaofengkou Recreation Area, Mt. Hehuan North Peak Trail, Xiaoqilai Trail, Mt. Shimen Trail, Mt. Hehuan East Peak Trail, Mt. Hehuan Main Peak, and the Wuling Viewing Platform.
The above-mentioned trails do not require any permits at Mt. Hehuan area.
Since the Mt. Hehuan area is located at an elevation of around 3,000–3,400 meters, please bring warm clothing and make lodging reservations in advance.
For more details, please refer to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on our official website to plan your trip.
See General Question 3: “The east side of Taroko Gorge is closed after the April 3, 2024 earthquake. How can I plan my itinerary?”
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