Hiking in Southern Taiwan is a spectacular experience and there are many amazing destinations to experience. In Shuangliu (meaning Two Streams) National Forest Recreation Area, hikers will appreciate the unique biodiversity and beautiful landscapes of Pingtung County. From the White Banyan Trees that are linked to each other like a giant overground and underground network, to the challenging climb up Maozi Mountain to overlook the landscape, to the meandering Fenggang Creek that leads to the picturesque Shuangliu Waterfall this National Forest offers visitors a distinctive experience of Hengchun Peninsula.
This protected area is the traditional land of the Paiwan Tribe and there are even ruins of a building referred to as “Tortoiseshell Lodge” that is visible along the Banyan Trail.
Hiking in Shuangliu National Forest
For hiking purpose, the forest consists of four different trails, which are the Banyan trail, mountainside trail, Mount Maozi trail and waterfall trail.
White Banyan Trail – The 2km (one-way) White Banyan Trail (a.k.a. the Bairong Trail) begins with a flight of wooden steps leading into clusters of beautiful ficus trees, otherwise known as the fig trees or banyan trees. There are three different species of Ficus trees dispersed along this trail, including Ficus superba, Ficus variegata, and Ficus benjamina. This trail is actually quite hilly and is considered fairly challenging trail due to the steep incline that features some hand ropes. At 0.9 km (0.5 mi), the trail descends, unveiling the warped display of vertically hanging prop roots of banyan trees adorned in white bark.
Mountainside Trail – This 2.2km (one-way) trail runs parallel to the Shuangliu Waterfall Trail below in the valley. Hikers are often serenaded by a chorus of singing cicadas as they hike this section of the National Forest. The Mountainside Trail is the alternate route to the waterfall if the Waterfall Trail is flooded from the Neiwen River, which occasionally surges dramatically through the valley during periods of intense rain. Additionally, situated in the middle section of this trail is a suspension bridge that affords lustrous views overlooking the thick forest cover, offering an entirely different perspective from the shady, damp trails below. This area is also known as the best place to observe the many butterflies that flit around the forest. These are common scenes while hiking in Southern Taiwan. The Eulopea tulliolus butterfly occupies this area as it falls within its migratory route.
Mount Maozi Trail – At approximately 2.9km (return), this is the most demanding trail in the national forest. This trail takes hikers between 60-150 minutes to complete. The trail is a well-maintained, wooded path that features rope barriers to assist climbers. The whole trail is dense with foliage with cool forest air drifting through the mountain trail. There are five named mountains in the Shuangliu National Forest Recreation Area, the highest of which is Maozi Shan (帽子山) at 696m (2,283 ft). As you approach the summit, there is a wooden pavilion, which offers phenomenal panoramic views of the thick forest and surrounding mountains. The viewing platform also boasts views as far as the Taiwan Strait to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east on a clear day. The Mt. Maozi Trail showcases a range of unique ecological wonders including the Taiwan Loquat, Taiwan Guger-tree, and Selaginella boninensis. Birds like Taiwan Blue Magpie and Taiwan Hwamei are common sightings, as well as over 196 butterfly species, which nest in the surrounding forests of Shuanliu National Forest. If you take your time and get a little lucky, you might just spot the protected wildlife species, Hengchun birdwing butterfly!
Waterfall Trail – This 5.8km (return) trail is generally considered a moderately challenging trail, but is well-maintained. It takes around nearly 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on how long you take to enjoy the waterfalls and other scenic areas.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the trails beyond hiking them. Bring your binoculars to spot endemic and rare birds and butterflies. TSushere are also spots along the Waterfall Trail where hikers can wade into the river and soak there feet while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
Download Shuangliu National Forest Trail Map Here.
Shuangliu Waterfalls
Shuangliu Waterfall is located over 3.5km from the park entrance and is the origin of the Fenggang River. This is the perfect place for hikers to stop, have lunch or a snack, and enjoy the tranquil environment and sounds of rushing water.
Shuangliu Waterfall is nestled deep within the forest recreation area and can be reached by a riverside forest trail that offers plenty of opportunities for wading, swimming, and enjoying the forest air. Bird- and butterfly-viewing, and the broad stands of planted Formosan Ash and natural broadleaf species add further to visitors’ enjoyment of this relaxing trail. The waterfall comes into view at the trail’s end, with its cascading fan-like water sending up a refreshingly cool mist as the water plummets to the pool at the base. The surrounding cliffs and greenery add further to the majesty of this memorable area.
Other Attractions and Services
Shuangliu Nature Education Center – The visitor center and nature education center allow visitors to gain an understanding of the Shuangliu area before departing on the trails. There are restrooms and access to drinking water. There are short films shown from time to time and some great interpretation to help provide some educational insight into the local ecosystems and the history of the park. There are some facilities and vending machines offers visitors a chance to buy a cold drink and simple snacks.
