Wulai Trail Running Routes: Spectacular Mountain Terrain in New Taipei City

Just a 40-minute drive from downtown Taipei, Wulai is the closest mountain refuge for city runners. This traditional homeland of the Atayal people is famous for its hot springs, waterfalls, and dense forests, and it also offers a wide variety of trail-running terrain. From beginner-friendly waterside paths to advanced ridgeline trails, Wulai has something for trail runners of every level.

Wulai Trail Running Route Grades

Beginner Route: Wulai Old Street to Wulai Waterfall Loop

Distance: approx. 6 km
Elevation gain: approx. 200 m
Surface: stone paving, dirt trail, boardwalk
Suitable for: trail-running beginners, family runs

Starting from Wulai Old Street, run along the path beside the Nanshi River (南勢溪) toward Wulai Waterfall (烏來瀑布). At about 80 meters tall, Wulai Waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls near Taipei. Loop back to the Old Street, passing hot-spring hotels along the way, with the scent of sulfur springs drifting through the air.

After finishing the route, a hot-spring soak is the perfect post-run recovery!

Intermediate Route: Xiaoyi Trail (孝義步道) + Laka Mountain (拉卡山) Ridge Traverse

Distance: approx. 12 km
Elevation gain: approx. 600 m
Surface: dirt mountain trail, root-covered terrain, some rocky sections

Starting from the trailhead beside the Wulai tram track, climb the Xiaoyi Trail and follow the ridge toward Laka Mountain (elevation 934 m). This route is known for its rich variety of forest types — bamboo groves, mixed broadleaf forest, and hemlock forest appear in turn — and you may even spot Formosan black bear claw marks (remind yourself that’s a good thing — it means the ecosystem is thriving!).

Advanced Route: Jiajiuliao Creek Valley Trail (加九寮溪谷)

Distance: approx. 18 km
Elevation gain: approx. 900 m
Surface: creek-bed rock hopping, muddy mountain trail, steep rock faces

Jiajiuliao Creek is a tributary of the Nanshi River, with a raw and spectacular valley landscape. This route requires stream-crossing skills, with some sections involving wading through water — a rare creek-valley trail-running environment near Taipei. It’s best attempted in summer when water levels are low, and only after confirming there’s no rain in the forecast.

Where Atayal Culture Meets Trail Running

Wulai is traditional Atayal territory, and as you run through these mountains, you’ll feel the deep cultural heritage carried by this land. Along the way you may notice:

• Traditional hunting trails: Some of the mountain paths were originally Atayal hunting routes, and their layout reflects traditional mountain wisdom
• Ceremonial stone cairns: Stone cairns occasionally appear along the ridgelines, representing Atayal reverence for mountain spirits
• Wulai homestay culture: Many trails pass near homestays run by Atayal families, offering breakfasts made with local ingredients

Local Wulai Food (Recommended Post-Run Refueling)

Trail Running Safety Notes

Reading the Weather

Wulai sits on the windward side of northern Taiwan and receives heavy rainfall, making mountain trails extremely muddy and slippery after rain. Recommendations:

• Check the Central Weather Administration’s rainfall forecast before heading out
• Avoid routes requiring stream crossings within 24 hours after rain
• Stay alert to upstream weather conditions, and retreat immediately from creek-valley routes if heavy rain arrives

Ecological Protection

Wulai’s mountain area has rich biodiversity, and trail runners should follow these guidelines:

• Do not pick wild plants
• Do not feed wildlife
• Bring your own trash bag and clear away any litter along the trail
• Avoid stepping on vegetation outside of the designated trail

Getting There

From downtown Taipei, bus route 849 runs directly to Wulai Old Street (departures roughly every 30–40 minutes). If driving, you can park at the Wulai parking area, with fees charged by time of day.

Wulai is the closest call of the wild for city dwellers. Every weekend, lace up your trail shoes, head into the mountains, and let your body remember nature’s original rhythm.

Related Reading

• Wulai Waterfall and Xinxian in New Taipei: A Valley and Stream Cycling Route Near Taipei
• New Taipei Xindian to Wulai Waterfall Route: A Leisurely Route Through Northern Taiwan’s Mountain Valleys
• Best Northern Taiwan Mountain Routes: Comparing Rides in Yangmingshan, Wulai, and Pinglin
• Recommended Taiwan Mountain Trail Running Routes: Around Taipingshan, Xueshan, and Yushan