Located in Changxing Village, Fuxing District, Taoyuan City, the Gaorao Creek Ancient Canal Trail is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll along the Roman Highway. It’s a trail that blends natural ecology with cultural history. I visited it once last year, when the second phase of the trail wasn’t yet completed. Back then, it took only about half an hour to reach the end at a slow pace, which felt a bit too short and uneventful.
However, the second phase of the trail was finished in 2025, and now the entire trail stretches approximately 2.6 kilometers. Built along Gaorao Creek, it was originally a hunting trail used by the Atayal people, and now, after renovation, it's open for tourists to enjoy. A walk along this trail allows you to experience the local natural scenery and cultural features.
The trailhead of the Gaorao Creek Ancient Canal Trail is next to Sky Cafe (parking is available for customers, but there's also parking a bit further ahead). The trail offers beautiful scenery, including views of streams, bamboo forests, and other natural landscapes. You can also see some cherry blossoms in spring and enjoy a relaxing forest bath. Along the way, there are two river-crossing rope bridges, 21 meters and 29 meters long respectively, which add fun and challenge to the hike.
This trail is considered a leisure-grade walk, suitable for families. It's about 3 kilometers one way, and a leisurely walk takes about 50 minutes to reach the Gaorao Sky Suspension Bridge. After a short rest, you can return along the same path. The climate here is very pleasant, with dense bamboo forests providing shade, so it doesn’t get too hot even in summer. Walking on this trail allows you to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
In summary, the Gaorao Creek Ancient Canal Trail is a scenic spot that combines natural beauty and cultural history, perfect for visitors who love to be close to nature. If you’re traveling along the Roman Highway, consider making a detour to visit it.
