Jiuwushan Hike Difficulty?

Question

So I'm planning a trip to Jiuwushan National Scenic Area in a few weeks. I've seen photos, gorgeous! But all the online info is a bit vague on the difficulty of the trails. Is it mostly gentle walking paths, or should I expect some serious scrambling? I'm reasonably fit but not a hardcore mountaineer. Planning my packing list accordingly is crucial. Plus, any recommendations on the best trail for a first-timer with stunning views would be amazing! I really want to see the waterfalls they show in pictures.

mia · Answer

Jiuwushan is actually in New Taipei, up in the Wulai area, so factor in bus or taxi time from central Taipei, roughly an hour and a half depending on traffic. The main trail to the waterfall is well-built with wooden steps and rope sections, no real scrambling, but it's steep in stretches and the steps get slippery when wet, which is most of the time. For a first-timer I'd skip the full loop and just do the waterfall trail out and back, it's the payoff view anyway. Bring shoes with actual grip and a light rain shell, the mist near the falls soaks you fast.

elenore · Answer

Neihdong is the real name locals use for that waterfall, so if you're searching buses or asking at the Wulai info desk, try that word instead. The forest here is subtropical and leeches show up after rain, so tuck your pants into socks and bring salt or a lighter, sounds dramatic but its just standard stuff. Trail markers are in Chinese mostly, so screenshot the route before you go since signal drops in the valley. If you only have one day, do the waterfall and skip the ridge, the ridge is nice but the payoff is lower.

reginehager · Answer

if you're coming from Taipei main station just take the Xindian line to Xindian then the bus up, saves you the taxi fare which runs like 800nt from there. weather matters way more than fitness here, check the Wulai forecast the morning of, if its raining hard just bail bc teh rocks turn into a skating rink and its not worth it. also theres a decent hot spring spot near the trailhead in Wulai for after, soak your legs, best part of the whole day honestly. for packing id say grippy trail runners beat hiking boots here, theres a lot of wet wood and stone.

catherina · Answer

the trailhead is past the Wulai old street, keep walking up along the road til you hit the sign, most people quit before that and think the hike starts at the falls. honestly the whole thing is maybe 2 hours round trip if you dont stop much, but the stone steps near the top are worn smooth and brutal on the knees coming down, bring a pole if u have one. the waterfall itself is better after rain, if its been dry for a week it can be a trickle.

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