Caoling Geological Park is a protected geological landscape in the southeastern hills of Gukeng Township, Yunlin, covering about 441.8 hectares and known for its erosional sandstone landscape. The 921 earthquake in 1999 triggered a massive landslide that deposited roughly 125 million cubic meters of earth and rock into the Qingshui Valley, forming a natural dam about 5 kilometers long and 50 meters high that created the "New Caoling Lake" landslide lake. The lake was completely filled with sediment and disappeared after the 2004 "722" flood, though the valley terrain still bears the marks of the earthquake's reshaping.
According to the official Caoling Geological Park page from the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (formerly the Forestry Bureau), the park covers about 441.8 hectares. The 1999 921 earthquake triggered a landslide that deposited about 125 million cubic meters of earth and rock into the Qingshui Valley, forming a natural dam roughly 5 km long and 50 m high; the resulting "New Caoling Lake" held up to about 46 million cubic meters of water and was once one of Taiwan's largest natural lakes, but it was completely filled with sediment and disappeared after the 2004 "722" flood.
Highlights of Caoling Geological Park
Caoling Waterfall drops about 80 meters; when the water volume is high it forms a wide curtain of water — the most visually dramatic landscape feature in the park. The surrounding sandstone cliffs have been sculpted by differential erosion into varied textures and forms, and some unusually shaped rocks retain the old name of "Bizarre Rocks" or "Caoling Wonders." The landslide lake that formed after the 921 earthquake has gradually shrunk, but the valley terrain still records the event of an earthquake reshaping the landscape.
The park is rich in wildlife. Butterflies can be observed in spring and summer, and Formosan macaques are active around the trails — do not feed or approach them. Trail conditions can change due to rainfall and geological activity. Before setting out, check Gukeng Township Office or the Yunlin County Government for trail opening status. After typhoon season (August to October), trail safety should be confirmed especially carefully.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there and hours
- Public transport to Caoling is extremely limited; driving is recommended. The mountain road has steep grades — follow roadside signs.
- The park is open year-round, but trail closure rates are high after typhoon season (August to October). Always confirm the status before going; avoid the area during heavy rain.
- The car park is near the Caoling Village entrance; it can fill up on busy weekends, so an early start is advisable.
Nearby connections
- After descending from Caoling, Gukeng Huashan Coffee Area is about thirty minutes west by car — the two can be combined for a full mountain day in Gukeng.
- Heading north or east enters Nantou County; the Caoling valley terrain is geographically close to Zhushan and the Lugu tea-growing area, allowing for an extended cross-county trip.
Sources: Yunlin County Government Agriculture Department Tourism Information, Gukeng Township Office. Photos pending Dio's own shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is Caoling Geological Park?
According to official Forestry Agency data, the park covers about 441.8 hectares, mainly in Gukeng Township, Yunlin, with a small portion extending into Zhushan Township, Nantou.
Does New Caoling Lake still exist?
No, the landslide lake formed after the 1999 earthquake was completely filled with sediment and disappeared after the 2004 flood.
When are the Caoling trails likely to close?
Trails often close partially after typhoons or heavy rain due to unstable geology; check announcements from Yunlin County Government or Gukeng Township Office before visiting.
Sources
- 草嶺地質公園 - 林務局（現林業及自然保育署） — 官方園區面積數據約441.8公頃
- 新草嶺潭 - 維基百科 — 921地震堰塞湖規模數字與2004年消失經過