Lushui-Heliu Trail: Explore the Beauty of Ecology and Culture

Recreational service centers and various trails within Taroko National Park remain closed. Opening hours will be announced separately. Please refer to Taroko National Park's official announcements for details. The Lushui-Heliu Trail is flat and easy to walk, retaining its original appearance. It boasts rich landscapes and ecological beauty, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. Heliu (Confluence) was formerly a timber collection point. The Nationalist Government harvested trees and timber here, which was then transported by cableway to this point and subsequently distributed to various locations via the Central Cross-Island Highway. After logging ceased, this area was designated as the Heliu Campground. The Lushui-Heliu Trail is located within the Tianxiang Recreation Area of Taroko National Park. It is composed of two sections: the 'Lushui Trail' and the 'Heliu Trail'. The entrance to the Lushui Trail is next to the Lushui Geological Exhibit Hall. This two-story exhibit hall introduces themes such as Earth's evolution and the changes in its surface features. Before embarking on the trail, a visit to the exhibit hall will provide a deep understanding of how Taroko's geology was formed. Ecology Classroom: Step into Nature The trail was originally part of the Hehuan Mountain Crossing Historical Trail (Hehuan Yue Ling Dao). It was initially built by Japanese police to administer the Taroko tribe. After the Taroko War ended in 1914, the road was rebuilt, widened, and extended. When Taroko National Park was established in 1986, this section of the ancient trail, from Lushui to Heliu, was refurbished into its current form. Most sections are remnants of the ancient trail preserved since the Japanese colonial period. Along the trail, one can find forests, cliffs, gorges, and historical relics. The flora and fauna along the way are abundant. Camphor tree forests planted in the 1950s emit a fragrant aroma along both sides of the trail. Visitors can also observe rock-dwelling plants and Taroko Oaks. If you visit in autumn or winter, green maples and sweetgums don vibrant new attire of yellow or red, enriching the colors of the mountains and forests. Furthermore, mid-elevation mountain birds such as the Grey-throated Minivet and Taiwan Yuhina descend to this area, joining the Japanese White-eye, Taiwan Barbet, and Black-naped Monarch in a lively symphony, allowing visitors to enjoy their melodious tunes. Walking along, you will pass a tributary of the Liwu River. The water volume is not large, but the water is clear and clean. Sometimes, you can hear the calls of Swinhoe's Frogs and see dragonflies circling back and forth over the water. Many aquatic insects are also hidden within the stream. A Hidden Gem: A Glimpse of Lushui's Beauty Continuing onward, you will pass through a short cave path. After traversing this approximately 30-meter-long cave, the landscape dramatically opens up, revealing a breathtaking vista of expansive skies and vast terrain. The mountain trail, nestled within the forest, transforms into a narrow path hugging the cliff face. To your right is a sheer cliff, and from the precarious precipice, it feels as if you are gazing down from the air upon the Lushui river terraces and the Liwu River Valley. You can also spot the Central Cross-Island Highway winding its way gracefully amidst countless mountains and valleys. Visitors will feel a thrill as they take in this magnificent and beautiful scenery. Towards the latter part of the trail, there is a memorial stele carved from a massive natural rock. This monument commemorates the Japanese police officers who died in the line of duty here. Their names and dates of demise are inscribed upon it. Numerous similar monuments exist along the Hehuan Mountain Crossing Historical Trail. However, many have deteriorated over time due to the passage of years. This particular memorial stele is one of the better-preserved examples. The entire Lushui-Heliu Trail is approximately 2 kilometers long one way. Entering from the Lushui Trailhead and exiting at the Heliu Trailhead, it can be completed in about 1 hour. The trail conditions are good, and the scenery and ecology are exceptionally rich. The trail is flat and easy to walk, making it a scenic trail suitable for all ages.