Shilu Ancient Trail

Shilu Ancient Trail

Shilu Ancient Trail was once a vital passageway for the Atayal people, lined with dense cedar forests and offering breathtaking sea of clouds views.

With the passage of time, the trail has long ceased to serve as a transportation route, and the heroic tales of resistance have faded into the past. Nowadays, Shilu Ancient Trail enchants visitors with its untouched mountain scenery and serene atmosphere, drawing travelers in search of tranquility. Although many tribal remnants along the trail are now in ruins, the Shilu Police Station and Dashan Fort still bear traces of the past, not only evoking a strong sense of bygone eras but also serving as rest stops for hikers.

Most visitors to Shilu Ancient Trail come to hike up Mount Xuekalo, with some extending their journey to the Xuekalo Ancient Trail. Nowadays, the most captivating sight is the ancient maple forest in the Xuekalo Mountain area. These maple trees are extremely old, with thick trunks and lush foliage. From late October to early February each year, the ancient trail is blanketed in vibrant red foliage, creating an exceptionally beautiful scene—the best time to visit. Here, the maple trees grow alongside cedar forests, where emerald-green cypresses contrast beautifully with the deep crimson of the maples, forming a rare and stunning landscape.

Transportation Guide: Take a Shinchiku Bus from Zhudong bound for Qingquan, and get off at the terminal Qingquan Station. After crossing the Qingquan Bridge, take the left path uphill. A hike of about 7 kilometers will bring you to Shilu Village.

Supply Stop: You can stay overnight in Qingquan while visiting Shilu Ancient Trail, or bring your own camping gear to set up a tent.