Taichung’s Daking Trail No. 1 was damaged last year due to heavy rainfall, which caused slope failures and partial section collapses. Trail No. 6 suffered from aging facilities and soil erosion. The city government allocated funds to prioritize repairs of the most severely damaged sections of both trails. Construction started in April and, after over half a year, has been successfully completed and reopened, significantly enhancing trail safety.
Lin Hsiao-chi, Director of the Tourism and Travel Bureau, said that the newly repaired Trails No. 1 and 6 belong to the eastern and western hiking trail clusters within the Daking Scenic Area, respectively. Eastern Daking Trail No. 1 is the northernmost hiking route on Toukeshan Mountain, with an elevation ranging between 395 and 700 meters. It lies within a forested area, where winding paths cross river valleys, surrounded by lush trees and rich biodiversity.
In addition, Western Daking Trail No. 6 is part of the Xiping Mountain range. Being closer to the urban area, it offers higher trail safety and connects to Trails No. 7 through 10, making it suitable for family outings.
Lin Hsiao-chi stated that the key focuses of the repair work for both trails were restoring the original routes, reinforcing slope stability, and improving overall trail safety. This included rerouting damaged sections using Acacia wood boardwalks, filling gaps in existing stone slabs with crushed stones and topping them with mortar-laid cobblestones for better grip, as well as adding permeable log-frame steps, new resting benches, and double-rope handrails.
For areas with unstable slopes, micro-piles, soil nails, and timber retaining walls were installed, along with slope netting for additional protection. Both trails have now been repaired and offer hikers enhanced safety measures.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau noted that the city government adopts a phased and sectional closure approach for trail maintenance and repairs. No more than two trails within the same cluster are closed simultaneously to avoid impacting hikers’ access. Currently, Trails No. 2, 3, and 10 are still under repair, with safety warning tapes installed on-site to remind visitors not to enter restricted areas.
(China Times)