Taiwan’s Longest Maple Forest Bike Tunnel – A Must-Visit New Red Leaf Spot

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

With recent waves of cold fronts, the sweetgum trees in the Danongdafu Plain Forest Park have turned red. The best time to admire the foliage lasts until the end of December. Visitors can cycle through the maple-red forest bike trails and traverse the romantic maple tree tunnel. During the day, the fresh mist refreshes the soul, creating a hazy beauty of red leaves; at noon, the bright sunlight shines on the maple leaves as if coating them in malt sugar; in the afternoon, as you ride through the woods with the wind, you can see the red leaves falling from the trees – truly a romantic scene.

Located in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, the Danongdafu Plain Forest Park sits in the East Rift Valley, flanked by the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range that cradle this emerald gem like wings. The park features a 13-kilometer bike trail that winds through the forests along the north and south loop roads. Lining the path are diverse and lush trees such as Taiwan beech, Michelia compressa, camphor trees, glabrous greenbrier, sweetgum, large-leaved nanmu, night-blooming cereus, cyclobalanopsis glauca, Chinese tallow tree, and koelreuteria paniculata, forming an expansive sea of trees with vast vistas. At the 255.7-kilometer mark along Highway No. 9, there is a clear entrance sign for the “Plain Forest Park.” Follow the signs to reach it.

As winter arrives, everything begins to change—shedding green for yellow. This emerald gem of the park also starts to glow with reddish-brown hues. In this beautiful December, visitors can ride along the country’s longest forest bike trail to enjoy the winter scenery. It’s recommended to reserve a bike rental in advance.

Additionally, the Danongdafu Plain Forest Park features an ant nest installation art piece that showcases friendly local agricultural specialties, handicrafts, and cultural and creative products from surrounding communities. Visitors are welcome to come and explore the selections.