The trail was repurposed from the 'Zhongshan' logging line which ceased operations in the 1970s.
It maintains a relatively low gradient due to its original design as a rail line for industrial locomotives.
The route passes through the Yuyupas indigenous territory, which is part of the Tsou people's traditional cultural landscape.
The high humidity and thick canopy support significant populations of ferns and epiphytic orchids.
Parts of the trail surface are still paved with original ballast and remnants of narrow-gauge railway sleepers.
Tefuye Historical Trail is a 6.3-kilometer path originally constructed as a Japanese-era logging railway in Alishan, Chiayi County. The trail follows the alignment of the former Alishan Forest Railway, preserving original railway ties and rusted steel tracks along sections of the route. Its primary feature is a dense, high-altitude forest environment dominated by Japanese cedar, bamboo, and native broadleaf trees. The trail is recognized as a key site for birdwatching, particularly for spotting endemic species like the Swinhoe's pheasant and Mikado pheasant. The terrain is largely characterized by a flat, wide path through old-growth forests, connecting the Tataka area with the Tefuye village site. Natural fog and mist frequently descend on the trail, contributing to the humid, moss-covered ecosystem of the mid-mountain forest. The route is maintained by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency for biodiversity preservation and historical heritage. It serves as an accessible high-altitude hiking destination within the Alishan National Scenic Area range.
The section featuring the abandoned rusted railway tracks embedded in the forest floor.
Bring trekking poles to navigate sections where the soil can become slick after rain.
Wear moisture-wicking layers as temperatures drop significantly once the mountain mist rolls in.
Check local weather reports specifically for Alishan township, as mountain weather conditions shift faster than in the lowlands.
Attempting the full trail during heavy rainfall, as the clay-heavy soil becomes dangerous and slippery.
The trail may be subject to temporary closures during typhoon season or following seismic activity due to landslide risks.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile moss and root systems; do not disturb or feed local wildlife.
