The trail features a wooden platform specifically designed to minimize environmental impact on the damp, rocky terrain surrounding the falls.
The Dongshan River, which feeds the waterfall, is one of the primary waterways for irrigation in the Yilan Plain.
The area is home to the 'blue-bellied' Formosan whistling thrush, often spotted near the water’s edge.
Restoration efforts on the trail used specialized sustainable building materials to blend with the riverbank environment.
The waterfall's water flow is significantly more intense during the monsoon season between October and March.
Xinliao Waterfall is a two-tiered cascade situated in the upper reaches of the Dongshan River in Yilan County, Taiwan. The trail system follows a restored path that provides access to both the lower falls and a more powerful upper tier. The area features a suspension bridge and a viewing platform overlooking the river valley. The surrounding forest is a secondary growth habitat characterized by high biodiversity and moisture-loving vegetation. The site is managed by the Luodong Forest District Office as part of a recreational trail network. Visitors walk through a protected ecological zone that recovered significantly after a period of limited access following typhoon damage in the late 2000s. The trail involves climbing steps that transition from a flat riverside path to a steeper mountain incline. The rock pool at the base of the waterfall is a significant geological feature carved by the force of the falling water. The park serves as a key site for observing Yilan's temperate rainforest ecosystem.
The suspension bridge provides the best vantage point for capturing the scale of the valley and the lower waterfall tiers.
Use the provided wooden boardwalks to protect the delicate soil and avoid muddy sections.
Carry insect repellent, as the humid, lush environment is prone to mosquitoes.
Check the official forestry website for trail status alerts before departure, as path closures can occur after heavy rainfall.
Do not attempt to scramble up the rocks near the waterfall base as the surfaces are permanently slippery and unstable.
The trail may close temporarily following severe weather events or typhoons; verify status via the Forest Bureau's portal.
No swimming or water entry is permitted in the pools; leave no trash and remain on marked wooden paths.
