Autumn Trip to Wuling: Enjoy the Foliage and Embrace Green Travel on the Forest Bathing Trail

Text / Compiled and reported by the Editorial Department of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network

Autumn is the most comfortable season, with cool and pleasant weather that highlights the warmth of the autumn sun. Wrap yourself in a light jacket, walk along the path, and feel the cozy atmosphere of autumn in the air. The plants in the high mountains are no exception—they are all starting to put on new colors. Within the Wuling National Forest Recreation Area, deciduous trees such as the green maple, Taiwan red maple, Veitch’s mountain ash, and Taiwan beech… are all turning red, adding a romantic autumn touch to the green forest.

According to the Dongshih Forest District Office, the green maple is a plant unique to Taiwan. Its leaves have 5–7 palmate lobes with narrow triangular leaflets. In autumn, the leaf color transitions from yellow to orange and then to red. Particularly in mid to high altitudes with abundant sunlight, the color change of the green maple stands out brilliantly against the green backdrop. Other deciduous plants in the same family and genus as the green maple include Taiwan red maple, Taiwan palmate maple, and camphor maple, all of which add an autumnal charm to the mountains. Additionally, there is a plant similar to the "green maple" called the "sweet gum," whose leaves also change color in autumn. The difference is that the sweet gum’s leaves grow alternately. Amidst such beautiful autumn scenery, visiting the Wuling National Forest Recreation Area allows you to relax, stroll leisurely, and enjoy the forest’s colorful autumn transformation. Among the falling leaves, you might even spot macaques foraging—remind visitors not to feed them and to pay attention to personal 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, Kalayeshan, and Snow Mountain, with rivers including Taoshan Creek, Chiyou Creek, and Qijiawan Creek converging here. Lush green mountain ranges set off layers of crimson leaves, and when the gentle autumn breeze drifts by, the swaying red leaves create a scene like a paradise on earth. The beautiful Taoshan Waterfall and the cool, tranquil Pine Forest Path welcome you to experience the serene mountain landscape.

As the season gradually deepens into late autumn, the sunlight is no longer scorching, and the air shifts from humid and stuffy to cool and refreshing—it’s the best time to connect with nature. Take advantage of the cool weather, step into the forest recreation area, temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy a leisurely stroll, and immerse yourself in the beautiful autumn colors of the mountains.