5 Essential Waterfalls For You To Get Your Trek On In Northern Taiwan
Taiwan, with its lush forest-covered mountains and steam-room level humidity starting somewhere around mid-May, a visit to a hidden cooling waterfall is the ultimate – and cheap – summer day trip! While staying in AC-filled shopping malls is the easy way out, a short sweaty trek followed by a dunk in an azure freshwater pool is guaranteed to make you feel energized and alive!
Remember, Taiwan has a tropical climate and so, as you’ll soon be aware, very unpredictable and torrential downpours happen frequently, particularly in the rainy season from May to June. Don’t attempt a waterfall trek soon after or during a rainstorm as the trails become unfriendly and water currents get dangerous. All other times, make sure to bring plenty of water, a friend and good hiking shoes! But enough mothering, here are my top choices for trekking waterfalls in Northern Taiwan…
Sandiaoling Waterfalls (三貂嶺瀑布)
Unlike the much-loved, nearby Shifen waterfall, there is nothing stopping you from stripping off and jumping straight into the various waterfalls pools at Sandiaoling. Located slightly off of the Pingxi Railway tourist track at Sandiaoling station, Sandiaoling is comprised of three separate waterfalls rarely seeing much footfall despite the great number of tourists who come to release lanterns and eat sausages on Pingxi old street (also recommended!). The trip to all three waterfalls will take you around 2-3 peaceful hours, although stopping at Hegu Waterfall (合谷瀑布) only will take just 40 minutes. Those with the energy can continue on to Motian Waterfall (摩天瀑布) and Bipadong ‘Cave’ Waterfall (枇杷洞瀑布) respectively.
Wanggu (望古瀑布)
Another located along the Pingxi Railway, but also accessible by bus from Taipei, is Wanggu Waterfall. A perfectly sized waterfall in a nice forest clearing, Wanggu is the perfect spot as a base for a chilled day of swimming and river tracing. Taking just 10-15 minutes from the train station, those who want to venture further can continue up the mountain to find several other pools of clear turquoise water and also various rock pools for finding small fish and crabs. For both Wanggu and Sandiaoling, consider buying a day ticket for the cultural Pingxi Railway which costs just NT$50 and starts at Ruifang. Northern bound trains from Taipei Main Station can take you to Ruifang in under an hour. Alternatively, the quicker – and less touristy – route is to hop on the 795 bus from Muzha MRT station to go directly to the falls.
The Wormhole (蚯蚓坑)
The ultimate little river tracing spot just an hour or so from Taipei city centre (once again near Pingxi in the Shiding district) and easily accessible by bus is the so-called ‘Wormhole’. While the waterfall is more of a trickle, the magic of this place is that it begins with a short rustic trek along the clear Yongding river and ends up – 30 lovely minutes of traversing, splashing and swimming later – at an isolated swimming hole that winds through a magnificent slot canyon. The unique rock formations that line the journey also provide the best cover on hot summer days. Although the trek is simple enough, the water that winds through the canyon is deep and currents have been known to take people by surprise. The lack of tourism here means that your safety is solely your responsibility so make sure you are a strong swimmer or have a floatation aid before entering the water!
To find this spot from Taipei, you’ll need to hop on the 795 bus from Muzha MRT station towards Pingxi and alight at the ‘temporary station’ just after Huang Di Dian station. For more information about where the trail starts, see here.
Yun-Sen Waterfall (雲森瀑布)
Otherwise known to English speakers as the “Cloud Forest” Waterfall, Yunsen is an often overlooked waterfall in New Taipei City’s Sanxia district, an area known mostly for its old streets and Yingge ceramics street. Nature is another feature of the area, including the Man Yue Yuan National Forest Area and the Da Ban Gen Hot Spring Village. Sidestepping these more popular spots, you’ll want to check the infrequent Xiong-Kong (熊空) bus timetable from Sanxia and alight at the trailhead listed as ‘雲森瀑布’ on Google maps. The hiking trail takes around 40 minutes and is an interesting assault course of ropes, log balancing beams and ladders – not too challenging but challenging enough!
Xinxian Waterfall (信賢瀑布)
A lesser-known destination located near the famed Wulai Waterfalls and also commonly referred to as “Neidong Falls” is XinXian Waterfall. Remaining untouched over the past three years due to the big typhoon and resulting earthquake that hit Wulai in 2015, Neidong Falls has only recently reopened, now hosting a developed – wheelchair accessible – base path and a viewing platform at each tier of the waterfall. While there are many transport options to Wulai’s old street and the falls (including the 849 bus from Xindian MRT Station) to escape the crowds continue past Wulai to find Xinxian. The 4km to Xinxian will take about an hour on foot along a well-signposted trail of high bridges and inspiring views. Enjoy!
