Exploring the Trails of Taroko National Park

The Main Reading Text

In Taroko National Park, you can find many different trails to explore. It's important to choose a trail that matches your ability and how much time you have. Some trails are perfect for a relaxing walk, while others will give you more of a workout.

One popular easy trail is the Shakadang Trail (砂卡礑步道). This lovely path follows the Shakadang River. As you walk, you can admire the incredibly clear, blue-green water and the beautiful marble rocks and cliffs along the riverbank. It's a gentle walk, good for families.

Another well-known easy trail is the Swallow Grotto Trail (燕子口步道). Here, you walk along a road through tunnels carved into the rock. You get to see the narrowest parts of the impressive Taroko Gorge, a deep and steep valley. If you look closely at the cliffs, you might see small holes where swallows build their nests, which is how the grotto (a small cave-like area) got its name. Remember to wear a safety helmet here, as small rocks can sometimes fall.

For those wanting something a bit more challenging, the Baiyang Waterfall Trail (白楊瀑布步道) is a wonderful choice, though it is still quite manageable. This trail leads you through several dark tunnels – so bring a flashlight! At the end of the trail, you are rewarded with the sight of a very tall and beautiful waterfall. It’s a very scenic hike.

Walking these trails in Taroko is not just about seeing beautiful places; it's also very good for your health. Walking regularly makes your heart stronger and helps you breathe better. Being in nature while you walk can also help you to relax and feel less stressed or worried. Many people find that walking improves their mood and gives them more energy for the day. It's also a good way to improve your leg strength. So, exploring Taroko's trails is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and boost your well-being!

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Key Learning Points

點擊下方的頁籤，切換不同的學習重點。

ability

n.

[əˋbɪlətɪ] — 能力

The physical or mental power or skill needed to do something.

• Choose a trail that matches your ability.
  選擇一條符合你能力的步道。
• She has the ability to solve complex problems.
  她有能力解決複雜的問題。

workout

n.

[ˋwɝk͵aʊt] — 體能鍛鍊；運動

A period of physical exercise that you do to keep fit.

• Some trails will give you more of a workout.
  有些步道會讓你得到更多的體能鍛鍊。
• I have a short workout at the gym every morning.
  我每天早上都會在健身房做簡短的運動。

admire

v.

[ədˋmaɪr] — 欣賞；讚賞

To look at something or someone with pleasure and respect.

• You can admire the incredibly clear water.
  你可以欣賞那清澈得令人難以置信的溪水。
• I really admire your courage.
  我真的很佩服你的勇氣。

gorge

n.

[gɔrdʒ] — 峽谷

A deep, narrow valley with steep rocky sides.

• You get to see the impressive Taroko Gorge.
  你可以看到令人讚嘆的太魯閣峽谷。
• The river flows through a deep gorge.
  河流流經一個深深的峽谷。

manageable

a.

[ˋmænɪdʒəbl] — 可應付的；易處理的

Easy or possible to deal with or control.

• The trail is still quite manageable.
  這條步道仍然相當容易應付。
• The task was difficult but manageable.
  這項任務很困難，但還是可以處理的。

scenic

a.

[ˋsinɪk] — 風景優美的

Having or allowing you to see beautiful natural features.

• It’s a very scenic hike.
  這是一趟風景非常優美的健行。
• We took the scenic route along the coast.
  我們走了沿海的觀光路線。

well-being

n.

[ˋwɛlˋbiɪŋ] — 幸福；安康

The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.

• Exploring trails is a way to boost your well-being.
  探索步道是增進你身心健康的一種方式。
• Physical exercise is important for your overall well-being.
  體育鍛鍊對你的整體健康很重要。