Taroko park reopens Lushui Trail for public enjoyment

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) partially reopened Lushui Trail (綠水合流步道區) and Lushui Geological Exhibition (綠水展示館) on Tuesday (Feb. 10), marking a significant step in restoring its stunning landscapes for public enjoyment. Visitors can now explore these areas, with improved facilities enhancing their experience.

The Lushui Geological Exhibition has undergone preliminary repairs, and its surrounding platform and parking lot are fully open. The first 250 meters of the Lüshui Trail allows visitors to walk to a small suspension bridge, offering close views of Taroko's iconic cliffs. The Lushui-Wenshan Trail is open to Duyung (陀優恩), stretching 450 meters, with a one-way walk taking about 30 minutes, ideal for those seeking tranquility in the forest.

The Tianxiang service station (天祥管理處) of Taroko National Park Headquarters (太魯閣國家公園管理處) assured that facilities have passed basic safety evaluations. They will station professional volunteers on weekends and holidays to provide in-depth explanations. Authorities remind visitors that the Central Cross-Island Highway (中橫公路) closes at night as a precaution, and trails are open only during the day, emphasizing strict adherence to these timings.

While the trail's latter sections remain under repair, officials urge visitors to respect on-site signage and avoid crossing barriers to ensure safety and honor ongoing restoration efforts. Before heading out, visitors should check the Taroko National Park website for the latest traffic control measures. Given the area's unpredictable weather, confirming real-time road conditions is crucial.

As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, the park administration calls on tourists to demonstrate environmental awareness and help preserve the park's precious and delicate ecosystem. They advise wearing non-slip athletic shoes and staying up to date on weather forecasts. In the event of heavy rain or earthquakes, visitors should immediately move away from slopes and canyon areas.

Taroko National Park, Taiwan's fourth-established national park, is renowned for its nearly vertical marble gorge landscapes. Formed by the collision of the Philippine Sea and Eurasian tectonic plates 4 million years ago with Liwu River (立霧溪) erosion, the park features towering peaks, sheer cliffs, and winding tunnels along the Liwu River. Its complex vegetation layers provide vital habitats for wildlife, making it a natural wonder worth preserving.