Hutoushan Trail: A Family-Friendly Outing Amidst Nature

※For trail opening information, please refer to the latest news from the Hualien Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture. The Hutoushan Family Trail features distinctive scenery throughout the four seasons. In spring and summer, visitors can admire white tung blossoms, while autumn and winter bring red maple leaves and blooming winter plum, making it a beloved hiking trail for tourists and locals alike. The Hutoushan Family Trail is located in the Ruibei area of Ruisui Township. From Guangfu, head south along Provincial Highway 9. Before reaching Ruibei Elementary School, turn right onto Xiangbei Road. Along the way, a gentle breeze accompanies you as the trail unfolds along the agricultural road. Farmlands on both sides, set against a clear blue sky, complement the green mountains and clear waters, offering a panoramic view of Ruisui's idyllic countryside, creating a sense of ease and comfort. Originally named "Dabayan Mountain," Hutoushan, with an elevation of 1747 meters, is a prominent ridge extending from the Danda Mountain range, part of the central spine of the Central Mountain Range. It is said that there is a giant rock on the summit resembling a crouching tiger, hence its name "Hutoushan" (Tiger Head Mountain). Another theory suggests that when viewed from the Coastal Mountain Range, Hutoushan resembles a reclining tiger, with the mountain's shape at the northwest barrier of the trail entrance appearing like a "tiger's head," thus deriving its name. The family trail starts at the intersection of Qixian Road and Xiangbei Road, ascending along a branch path behind nearby hot spring resorts. The initial part of the trail is lined with bamboo groves, but soon the roadside plants and scenery change, and butterflies can often be seen fluttering about. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of the trail is that shortly after ascending, a turn reveals a breathtaking view of the Huadong Valley, with fields below, scattered houses, and the streetscape of Ruisui town. The distant Coastal Mountain Range remains shrouded in clouds, its continuous layers of mountains making the valley's fields appear even more humble. In addition to butterflies dancing along the trail, the surrounding plants and flowers invite visitors to pause and linger. Purple morning glories, red globe amaranths, or white flowers resembling magnolias – even without knowing the names of the birds, beasts, and plants, one can find surprises everywhere. Summer is also the peak season for dragon fruit, and organic dragon fruit ripe for harvest can be seen along the trail. A chance encounter with a busy farmer reveals that the dragon fruit flowers, clinging to betel nut branches, are about to bear fruit. These dragon fruits are irrigated with a mixture of fermented milk and water, giving them a unique flavor. Returning along the trail on a summer afternoon, an unexpected discovery awaits: a ship's propeller in an outdoor washing pool next to a farmhouse, seemingly annotating Hualien's characteristics – the sea, abundant fruits and fields, and whispers carried by sea breezes over the mountains. The Hutoushan Trail, which doesn't take too long for a round trip, promises a surprising journey of your own discovery. From a high vantage point, the endless views of the valley, the Xiuguluan River, Wuhe Terrace, and the streetscape of Ruisui can all be taken in, making it a favorite challenge for many hiking enthusiasts. Located at the southeastern foothills of Jiangbunanshan on the west side of Ruisui Township, this is the southernmost tip of Taiwan's Coastal Mountain Range. Along the way, there is an abundance of low-altitude trees such as moso bamboo, maple, derris, and camphor, allowing you to absorb the natural phytoncides, relax your mind and body, and embark on a journey of spiritual rejuvenation.