Taroko Road trip
Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園; Tàilǔgé Gúojiā Gōngyuán) is Taiwan's top tourist destination. With its marble-walled canyons, lush vegetation and mountainous landscape, Taroko really puts the formosa (beautiful) in Ilha Formosa.The park covers 1200 sq km and rises from sea level in the east to over 3700m further west. In fact, Taroko is 90% mountainous, with 27 peaks over 3000m.
It's connected to Taipei by the Central Cross-Island Highway, named one of the most dangerous (yet scenic) roads in the world. Don't go if it's raining cats and dogs, beware of landslides.
It's a ropy series of switchbacks and hairpin bends, tunnels, overhangs and jagged drops that come in thrilling succession. The park's main attractions can be reached via precarious bridges, tunnels and narrow twisting trails.
It's connected to Taipei by the Central Cross-Island Highway, named one of the most dangerous (yet scenic) roads in the world. Don't go if it's raining cats and dogs, beware of landslides.
It's a ropy series of switchbacks and hairpin bends, tunnels, overhangs and jagged drops that come in thrilling succession. The park's main attractions can be reached via precarious bridges, tunnels and narrow twisting trails.
Routes are well maintained and frequently traveled by hikers, cyclists and day-trippers. Shakadang trail is the gentlest trekking route, a pleasant 4.4-kilometer riverside hike. Its entrance is marked by Shakadang Bridge, embellished by 100 marble lions.
Meanwhile Taroko offers some grueling cycling challenges, with 3-day trails passing through thick vegetation and tackling dizzying summits. Free helmets are provided by the managing park.
Trail and road conditions are often affected by weather. See Taroko National Park's official website to get the latest updates on each route.
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