Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail

Anchor point

Updates : 2026-07-17

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Google Rating : 4.4 Score

Audio guide

Travel tips

From the trail endpoint at Pipadong Waterfall, you can continue to Dahua Potholes and Dahua Station.
Be for bee or wasp swarms; if you encounter one, leave the area as quickly as possible.
The railway bridge between Shuoren Elementary School and the Shuoren Village parking lot is closed to pedestrians. Visitors are advised to take Taiwan Railways to Sandiaoling Station to access the trail.

Introduction

Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail is located in the upper reaches of the Keelung River and is 2.71 kilometres long. Along the route, visitors can enjoy Sandiaoling Waterfalls. The waterfall group consists of the first-tier Hegu Waterfall, the second-tier Motian Waterfall, and the third-tier Pipadong Waterfall; together, they are known as Three-Tiered Waterfall and form the trail's most important landscape feature. After arriving by Taiwan Railways and exiting Sandiaoling Station, follow the path alongside the railway tracks to the former site of Shuoren Elementary School. The trailhead is at the school gate; from there, head onto Sandiaoling Trail to seek out waterfalls in the forest.

Sandiaoling Settlement
The hiking trail starts at the gate of Shuoren Elementary School in Sandiaoling. The Sandiaoling Settlement once enjoyed a period of prosperity. In addition to mines and mining sites, a locomotive depot for the Pingxi Line was also established here. As mining in Taiwan became part of history, most of these industrial and production facilities were dismantled, and Shuoren Elementary School was also closed. After the decline of mining, Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail became the area's most important tourism resource. On holidays, many visitors come for the waterfalls and historic trail. It was once the site of the main hiking activity of the New Taipei City Hiking Festival. Surrounded by lush mountain forests, the scenery makes it hard to leave.

Three-Tiered Waterfall
Sandiaoling Trail passes the three tiers of Sandiaoling Waterfalls. The first tier, Hegu Waterfall, has the greatest vertical drop and water volume on the trail. It is divided into upper and lower drops: the upper drop is about 25 metres high, and the lower drop is about 15 metres high, creating a spectacular sight. After crossing two small suspension bridges, you reach the connected second and third tiers: Motian Waterfall, also known as Yuemeidong Waterfall, and Pipadong Waterfall. Here, visitors can admire, at close range, the cliffs, potholes, and spectacular waterfalls carved by the river.

Reminders

【Recommended Route】
Shouren Elementary School→Hegu Waterfall Observatory Platform→Rope Suspension Bridge→Motian Waterfall→Pipadong Waterfall→The end of the trail(Return Point)
【Scenic Spots Nearby】
Houtong, Mt. Wufenliao, Shouren Elementary School (The starting point of the Sandiaolin Waterfalls Trail is in front of Shouren Elementary School)

How to Get There

Choose a transportation method based on your departure location.

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