Gary Poster, with essential assists from Galyn Norwood, Phiroon Phihakendr, Jose Quijada, Pavandeep Kalra. Taiwan's Taroko Gorge attracts throngs of sightseers to its deep, marble chasm. But few venture into the network of trails that winds through Taroko Gorge National Park.
Most visitors stop, gawk briefly, eat lunch and then leave.
That's a shame. In a few easy steps, even a casual walker can leave the traffic behind to commune in relative solitude with nature. Hikers with more energy can visit aboriginal villages, peach and plum orchards, remote mountain lakes and turquoise rivers. The National Park Headquarters at the entrance to the gorge sells English-language guides to the hiking trails. Take an easy walk down the Baiyang Falls track to discover some of the park's finest scenery deep, marble bowls carved by the river and a dramatic waterfall that shimmers in the sun.