Located on Route 18 just a few kilometers past the Alishan Park entrance is the Alishan Tefuye Hiking Trail which follows an old logging railway line.特富野.
Alishan Tefuye Hiking Trail History
The Alishan Tefuye hiking trail is quite unique. Built in 1910 by the Japanese, it was a 5.2km narrow gauge rail line used to transport the abundant red cypress to the Alishan railway. The railway was called the Shuishan Line. It ended in the 1970’s due to disrepair.
An Easy Walking Trail through Alishan Forest
The forest walk is mostly flat. Hikers can get a sense of the true beauty of Alishan and its forests. The mossy and foggy environment mixes well with the tall beautiful trees and fresh mountain air.
The trail runs from Route 18 near the town of Zi Zhong to the aboriginal village of Tefuye.
The current trail is 6.32 kilometers. It starts on Route 18 (the Alishan road) and walks deep into the forest and then down a long grade into the village of Tefuye.
Alishan Tefuye Hiking Trail is clearly marked
The trail is well maintained and very clear. It’s great to walk along the old rail tracks that were once carrying cars full of lumber.
There is plenty of signage on the trail. It’s very clear and hard to get lost.
Distances are marked along the trail. There is a rest point a little past the halfway mark at 3.7 km. Many hikers walk to there and then return back to Route 18.
The lush green forest is magical and makes for great photos.
Some of the distance markers are on the trees along the trail.
Getting to Alishan Tefuye Hiking Trail:
Tefuye is along the mountain road Route 18. See below. This road passes the Alishan gate entrance and then heads up another 6km to Tefuye. The trailhead is just before the 97km marker.
Below is a view of cars of Tefuye hikers parked along the roadside. One great thing about Tefuye is there are not throngs of tour buses and people. Also, it’s free!
The trailhead to Alishan Tefuye Hiking Trail is next to the police building.
Below shows a view of the trail entrance. There is a “bear warning” sign. Good luck seeing one.
Below is a sign showing the distances from the trailhead to Tefuye (6.32 km) and to Zi Zhong (.2km).
Some magnificent views along the hiking trail.
A bridge that was built by the park service after a landslide.
An outside view of the bridge.
As the fog rolls in, the views become even more stunning.
The trail follows a stream for a short distance.
A small waterfall along the trail.
Walk a Shorter Distance
If you don’t want to walk the entire 6.32 km, or don’t have a car waiting for you at Tefuye village, you can stop and rest at the 3.7 km stop.
There are some makeshift tables and chairs here. Our group ate lunch and made some tea. Then, we walked back to the Route 18 trailhead.
More views of the Alishan area.
Another trail variable. Steps.
