The Linmei Shiban Trail in Yilan is 1.7 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours to walk, making it a very suitable "beginner-friendly" option for those trying out hiking trails. The entire trail is wide and gently sloped, shaded by lush forests, and features streams, waterfalls, and canyon landscapes along the way—perfect for family outings.
The trail route is designed as a loop, entering on the right and exiting on the left. It was historically an important irrigation channel used by local residents for farming and daily water supply. Like a string of emeralds passed down from grandmother’s time, it is filled with historical traces of early settlers’ hardships and villagers’ deep nostalgia for childhood memories.
Gentle Slopes · Close to Mountains and Water
Last summer, the Linmei Trail was affected by several heavy rainfalls and typhoons, resulting in collapses and washouts in multiple sections, as well as damage and displacement of some boardwalks. The Luodong Forest District Office closed the park for repairs in October last year, opening only 800 meters of the trail. Now, the renovation is nearing completion, and the full trail is expected to reopen on February 4.
Full reopening on February 4
At the 450-meter mark of the trail is a U-shaped canyon landscape, overlooking the remnants of an old irrigation channel and the Desizikou Stream, offering a magnificent view and earning the nickname “Little Taroko of Yilan.” The Luodong Forest District Office specially built a steel-framed wooden boardwalk along the cliff edge for visitors to admire nature’s craftsmanship and reflect on the pioneering spirit of their ancestors. The wooden staircase at the 600-meter point also uses a steel-framed boardwalk structure. This 30-meter section has a slope of about 70 degrees, descending to a stream cliff and ascending to the Shiban Waterfall. The misty spray carries negative ions, oxygen, and phytoncides, creating an “air vitamin” that refreshes the mind and lifts the spirit.