The classification system of hiking trails in Taroko National Park:
Grade 0-5
Classification Type of Trail Suitable Hikers Equipment Required
Grade 0 Trail: Level 0 trails are flat, well maintained, and fairly level. Complete facilities and information are available. The trails are suitable for all ages without restriction.
Grade 0 Trail: Taroko Terrace Trails
Grade 1 (Scenic) Trails are flat, and fairly level. A minumum (some water) or no equipment is required and the trail can be completed in less than half a day.
Grade 1 (Scenic) Trails are:
Provincial HIghway No. 9:
Chongde Tunnel North Opening Trail, and Huide Trail
Provincial Highway No. 8:
Xiaozhuilu Trail, Shakadang Trail, Buluowan Lower Terrace Meander Core Trail, Swallow Grotto Trail, Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail, Lushui Trail, Baiyang Trail
Grade 2 (Hiking) Trail may be some change in elevation. You should be in relatively good shape for these trails, take along light provisions such as water and some food and the trails can be completed in a half day.
Grade 2 (Hiking) Trails are:
Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Shrine) Trail and Idas Trail at Buluowan
Grade 3 trails are located in high mountain areas or the distance is relatively longer. The trail markings are clear bu may be rough in some sections. Only those who are in good shape should attempt these trails and should have basic map reading ability. Take along water, light provisions, maps, extra clothing, basic medicines, a flashlight and where indicated accessories for staying overnight such as a tent and sleeping bag. The time for these trails is generally one or more than one day.
Grade 3 Trails are:
1. No need for any permits:
Dali-Datong Trail (required a 2-day trip for Datong), Lushui-Wenshan Trail, Huoran Pavilion Trail.
2. Park Entry Permit required:
Zhuilu Old Road, Mt. Yangtou Day Ascent, Mt. Shuan Trail
Grade 4 and 5 (Mountaineering) Trails are located with Eco-protection areas (application required 5 days or 2-month before entering) where the path is not well marked or where there have been natural landslides that may have recovered the trail in some places. Permits are required. You must have experience in the outdoors. You should take complete mountaineering equipment with you, including food, water (sufficient to last serveral days), map, warm clothes, and lighting, tent.)
Grade 4 (Mountaineering) Trail:
1. No need for any permits at/near Mt. Hehuan area:
Mt. Pingfeng, Mt. Hehuan Main Peak, Mt. Hehuan North Peak, Mt. Hehuan West Peak (required 10-12 hours a round trip), Mt. Shimen, Mt. Xiaoqilai (0-1.4 km trail section, This trail beyond 1.4 km required a park entry permit application prior to your visit.)
2. Park Entry Permit required:
Mt. Bilu Trail, Mt. Bilu to Mt. Yangtou Traverse Trail, Mt. Qingshui
3. Both Park and Mountain Entry Permit required:
Mt. Nanhu Trail, North Section 1 (The Nanhu Peaks or Nanhu to Zhongyangjian route)
Grade 5 (Challenging) Trail:
Within the restricted mountain areas, ecological protection areas, or remote mountain areas (application required before entering), fit and experienced hikers with map-reading and wildness survival knowledge. Most trails are in the wilderness without artificial construction. Some parts of the trails may have disappeared from natural collapse or destruction. Prepare complete mountaineering equipment. (Food, water, map, warm clothes and lighting, tent for several days.)
1. Park Entry Permit required:
Mts. Qilai, Mt. Qilai North/ Main Peaks, Qilai East Ridge, Qilai South Peak.
2. Both Park and Mountain Entry Permit required:
North Section 2 (Mt. Shuan to Mt. Lingming to Ganshu Peak route)
*Note: Trails are often destroyed during earthquakes and heavy rains. Please call for updated trail conditions. Please consult our website for details of highway and trail opening conditions: https://www.taroko.gov.tw/en/ "News/Roads and Trails"
* For further information, please contact:
(Tel): +886-3-862-1100
(Tel): +886-3-862-1576 (Park entry permits application contact phone)
(Fax): +886-3-862-1523
Or please check our "Online Application for the Park Entry Permits" website: https://npm.nps.gov.tw/en/sitemap.aspx
For the latest trail and highway opening conditions, please get on our website “News>Roads and Trails” for more details before your visit.
Note:
FAQ: Which sections of the Taroko Gorge are still closed after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on April 3, 2024? Can I take the easy (Grade 1) trails (hikes)? What are the closed trails?
Answer: The Grade 1 (easy) trails are still closed. The eastern side of Taroko National Park, including the Taroko~Tianxiang Gorge section, sustained severe damage from the 403 Earthquake on April 3, 2024. As a result, Grade 1 (including Grade 0), Grade 2, and some Grade 3 trails and scenic spots along Provincial Highway 8 remain closed. It is not safe to visit. Please do NOT enter unless absolutely necessary. Due to the higher risk of rockfalls after earthquakes, it is recommended to re-plan your trip to visit areas in Taiwan that have not been affected by earthquakes for your safety.
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 0: (1) Taroko Terrace Trail (located at Taroko National Park Headquarters Visitor Center)
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) Dekalun trail, (2) Xiaozhuilu trail, (3) Eternal Spring Shrine trail (Changchun Shrine trail), (4) Huoran Pavilion trail.
Grade 3 trails: (1) Zhuilu Old Road, (2) Lushui-Wenshan trail, (3) Dali-Datong trail
Grade 4 trails: (1) Mt. Qingshui trail
B: The trails are closed on the Provincial Highway 9 (Su-hua Highway).
Grade 1: (1) Chongde trail, (2) Huide trail.)
Please check Question 3 for details and re-plan your trip in Taiwan.