Xinliao Waterfall Trail
A beautiful, accessible waterfall trail with a gentle path to a main cascade and rewarding upper falls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Xinliao Waterfall Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, accessible waterfall trail with a gentle path to a main cascade and rewarding upper falls.
"Really pretty and easy walk. Suitable for all ages."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly gravel, but upper sections can be steep and slippery. Good grip is essential!
💧 Dip in the Pool
Despite 'no swimming' signs, many visitors enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Cascade
Lower trail section
A beautiful waterfall tumbles into a natural pool, easily accessible via a gentle gravel path.
Upper Waterfalls
Higher trail sections
Venture further for more dramatic falls, offering a more challenging but rewarding hike.
Suspension Bridge Views
Near the main cascade
Capture iconic photos from this bridge, offering a unique perspective of the falls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Easy Access, Big Rewards
Beyond the First Falls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly gravel, but upper sections can be steep and slippery. Good grip is essential!
💧 Dip in the Pool
Despite 'no swimming' signs, many visitors enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool.
📸 Bridge Photo Op
The suspension bridge offers fantastic photo opportunities, but be mindful of the 15-person limit.
⬆️ Keep Climbing!
Don't miss the upper waterfalls; they are significantly more stunning than the first.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The trail is mostly gravel, but upper sections can be steep and slippery. Good grip is essential!
💧 Dip in the Pool
Despite 'no swimming' signs, many visitors enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool.
📸 Bridge Photo Op
The suspension bridge offers fantastic photo opportunities, but be mindful of the 15-person limit.
⬆️ Keep Climbing!
Don't miss the upper waterfalls; they are significantly more stunning than the first.
🚗 Ample Parking
There's a large, clean car park at the trailhead with modern facilities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Xinliao Waterfall Trail is praised for its easy accessibility and beautiful main cascade, making it a hit with families and casual walkers. While some find the upper trails challenging, the reward of more stunning waterfalls is highly recommended. The suspension bridge offers great photo ops, though crowds can be an issue.
"A short path from the car park to the viewing platforms and suspension bridge to see the waterfalls without much to see along the way. The waterfalls are just fine. Probably not a place you would come again."
Neil
"Very good place, 15 min easy walk until the first waterfall, you can also enjoy the water"
Dudu Shiloh
"Really pretty and easy walk. Suitable for all ages. There are a few steps made from rock and a few steps made from wood with a wooden walkway to see the waterfall. There’s a big car park at the beginning with nice clean toilets. Easy access to the parking as the road there is a flat modern road. In total it took about 25 minutes to get from the start to the waterfall. We didn’t go up to the very top as it had already started raining. Definitely worth a visit if you are fee on the weekend 😊"
Elle Yu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is easily accessible by car, with a large, modern road leading to a spacious car park. It's located at No. 688 Xinliao 2nd Rd, Nanao Township, Yilan County.
Information on public transport is limited, but driving is the most convenient option. The road is well-maintained.
There's a big, clean car park at the beginning of the trail, making arrival hassle-free.
Yes, the road is described as flat and modern, making access straightforward.
Using GPS with the address 'No. 688 Xinliao 2nd Rd, Nanao Township, Yilan County' should guide you directly to the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee in reviews or social media posts, suggesting it's likely free to access.
The trail appears to be open year-round, accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is typically required for this natural attraction. It's a walk-in trail.
While some signs may indicate 'no swimming,' general access to the trail and viewing areas is usually permitted.
Yes, the suspension bridge has a limit of 15 people at a time to ensure safety.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk to the first waterfall takes about 15-25 minutes. Continuing to the upper falls can take longer, depending on your pace.
Yes, the lower section is very easy and suitable for all ages. The upper sections can be steeper and slippery, requiring more caution with young children.
Visitors have reported seeing fish, shrimp, and various other forms of wildlife along the trail and in the water.
While there might be 'no swimming' signs, many visitors do go for a dip in the natural pool. Be aware of potential risks and local regulations.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are recommended, especially if you plan to hike to the upper falls, as they can be steep and slippery.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The suspension bridge offers a classic viewpoint. For more dramatic shots, continue to the upper waterfalls.
Morning light can be beautiful, but the falls are impressive throughout the day. Consider the suspension bridge's crowd limit when planning.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Capturing the mist and movement of the water might benefit from a tripod if you have one.
Look for the smaller cascades along the upper trails and the diverse wildlife. The lush greenery provides a beautiful backdrop.
Be mindful of slippery surfaces, especially near the water and on the upper trails. Also, respect the crowd limits on the suspension bridge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children who are more adventurous, the upper trails offer a chance for a bit more exploration. However, parents should be mindful of the steeper and potentially slippery paths in these areas and ensure children have appropriate footwear. The suspension bridge is also a fun element for kids, though they'll need to wait their turn if it's crowded.
🚶♀️ Casual Walkers & Nature Lovers
Even if you don't tackle the steeper upper sections, the initial part of the trail offers beautiful scenery, including smaller cascades and abundant greenery. The suspension bridge provides a lovely vantage point for photos and enjoying the waterfall's grandeur. It's an ideal spot for a short, refreshing outing.
📸 Photographers
For more dramatic and unique photos, venture to the upper waterfalls. These less-visited cascades offer a sense of discovery and can be captured with lush forest backdrops. The play of light through the trees and the mist from the falls can create stunning effects. Remember to bring a tripod if you want to capture smooth water motion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Xinliao Waterfall Trail Experience
However, for the more adventurous, the trail continues upwards, revealing a series of increasingly impressive waterfalls. These upper sections offer a more challenging hike, with steeper inclines and potentially slippery surfaces, especially after rain. The effort is rewarded with more dramatic cascades and a sense of discovery, as you venture further into the lush ravine. The presence of diverse wildlife, including fish and shrimp, adds to the immersive natural experience.
Key to enjoying the trail is understanding its varied terrain. While the lower path is straightforward, the upper reaches require sturdy footwear and a bit more caution. The suspension bridge, a popular photo spot, has a capacity limit, so patience might be needed during peak times. Overall, Xinliao Waterfall Trail offers a delightful blend of easy access and rewarding exploration for all types of visitors.
Navigating the Trail: From Easy Strolls to Steeper Climbs
As you ascend, the trail's character changes. The path becomes narrower, with more steps carved into rocks and wooden walkways. These sections are still manageable for most, but they do require more attention. For those who wish to see the most spectacular falls, the climb continues to be steeper and can be quite slippery, especially after rainfall. It's here that good hiking shoes with excellent grip become crucial.
Visitors often highlight the rewarding nature of continuing past the first waterfall. The upper cascades are described as 'more stunning' and offer a greater sense of accomplishment. Be prepared for a more strenuous hike if you aim for the very top, but the breathtaking views and the feeling of reaching a hidden gem make it well worth the effort.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit