Taichung City’s Dakeng Trail No. 10, located near the urban area and interconnected with Trails No. 9 and No. 9-1 to form a circular hiking network, has long been a popular route. However, some boardwalks had deteriorated over years of use and suffered damage from natural disasters, affecting their safety and integrity. The Tourism and Travel Bureau has now completed repairs on the more severely damaged sections and reopened them to the public. The upgrades have significantly improved overall trail safety and hiking comfort. A mountain-cleaning event was also held in collaboration with hiking groups, volunteers, and local residents to promote the environmental message “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints – a cleaner Dakeng is more beautiful.”
Lin Hsiao-chi, Director of the Tourism and Travel Bureau, said that construction on Trail No. 10 in Dakeng started in mid-August and was successfully completed by the end of November. The most damaged sections were repaired and reopened, significantly improving overall trail safety and hiking comfort.
Lin added that Dakeng Scenic Area is often referred to as the “back garden of Taichung.” From Trail No. 10, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of central Taichung. The trail attracts large crowds on weekends and holidays, making it a great destination for outdoor exploration, sightseeing, photo opportunities, and connecting with nature.
Additionally, visitors are encouraged to explore nearby attractions such as the Dakeng Ecological Park, Xindu Ecological Park, and Dakeng Lover’s Bridge. They can also enjoy a relaxing hot spring experience and savor delicious taro balls. This green and light travel plan allows people to connect with nature, breathe in phytoncides, and embrace an eco-friendly, healthy, and low-carbon lifestyle.
The Scenic Area Management Office noted that the renovated Trail No. 10 is approximately 1,200 meters long and classified as a leisure-level trail, suitable for outdoor education and family outings. Along the way, hikers will encounter ecological highlights such as bamboo forests and acacia tree-lined paths. The trail features a combination of log and gravel pathways, natural dirt tracks, and wooden boardwalks. Because some sections are steep and inaccessible to machinery, all materials had to be carried up manually, making the construction process particularly demanding.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau promotes environmental stewardship through mountain-cleaning activities on Trails No. 9 and No. 10 in Dakeng. Local hiking groups and enthusiastic volunteers joined in, and many hikers rolled up their sleeves to help, treating the beautiful mountains with the healthiest and most eco-friendly attitude possible, working together to conserve the Dakeng environment.
(China Times)