Autumn Outing in Wuling: Enjoy Fall Foliage on the Forest Bathing Trail for a Lively Green Trip

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported

Autumn is the most comfortable season, with cool and pleasant weather highlighting the warmth of the autumn sun. Wrap yourself in a light jacket and stroll along the path to feel the cozy atmosphere of autumn in the air. The plants in the high mountains are no exception, each beginning to don new colors. Within the Wuling National Forest Recreation Area, plants such as green maple, Taiwan red maple, Formosan mountain ash, and Taiwan beech... are turning red, adding a romantic autumn charm to the green forest.

The Dongshi Forest District Office stated that green maple is a plant unique to Taiwan, with leaves that have 5–7 palmate lobes, and the lobes are narrow triangular in shape. In autumn, the leaf color begins to turn yellow, orange, and then red. Particularly, the green maples growing in areas with sufficient sunlight at medium and high altitudes display the most striking and colorful transformations against the green backdrop. Other deciduous plants in the same family and genus as green maple include Taiwan red maple, Taiwan palmate maple, and camphor maple, all adding an autumn flair to the mountains. Additionally, there is a plant similar to “green maple” called “sweet gum,” whose leaves also change color in autumn. The difference is that the leaves of “sweet gum” grow alternately. Amid such beautiful autumn scenery, visiting the Wuling National Forest Recreation Area allows you to relax, stroll leisurely, and enjoy the colorful autumn foliage show of Wuling. Among the falling leaves, you might even spot macaques foraging—visitors are reminded not to feed them and to pay attention to their own safety.

The Wuling National Forest Recreation Area is located in Heping District, Taichung City, at an altitude of 1,800–3,884 meters. It is surrounded by mountains such as Taoshan, Kalaye Mountain, and Snow Mountain, with the convergence of Taoshan Stream, Chiyou Stream, and Qijiawan Stream. The lush green mountains set off layers of crimson leaves. Whenever the gentle autumn breeze drifts by, the red leaves sway gracefully, creating a scene like a paradise on earth. The beautiful Taoshan Waterfall and the cool, tranquil Pine Forest Trail welcome you to experience the serene mountain environment.

As the season gradually deepens into late autumn, the sunlight is no longer scorching, and the air transitions from muggy and damp to cool and refreshing—it’s the best time to get close to nature. Take advantage of the cool weather, put on your walking shoes, and head to the forest recreation area. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, take a leisurely stroll, and fully enjoy the beautiful autumn colors of the mountains.