Tucked away in the misty mountains of Wulai District, New Taipei, lies one of Taiwan’s most unique and charming attractions: the Wulai Log Cart (烏來台車)

Once used to haul timber during the Japanese colonial period, this narrow-gauge mini-train now serves a different purpose—taking curious travelers on a short but scenic journey through the forest, alongside a rushing river, and straight toward the famous Wulai Waterfall.

Wulai Falls as seen from Log Cart terminal

In this blog, we’ll take you aboard the Wulai Log Cart, explain how to ride it, and share why it’s worth including in your Wulai day trip itinerary.

Visit my Wulai Travel Guide to know how to get to Wulai from Taipei.

A Historic Ride Through Nature

The Wulai Log Cart isn’t just a tourist gimmick—it’s a living piece of Taiwan’s industrial history. Originally built in the early 20th century to support the area’s thriving logging industry, these narrow rail tracks were once filled with carts hauling Formosan cypress and camphor trees.

Wulai Log Cart Welcome Signage

Today, they’ve been lovingly preserved and adapted to carry people instead of timber.

🛤️ Distance: Around 1.5 km

🚋 Duration: ~5 minutes one-way

🎟️ Fare: NT$50 per person (one-way)

📍 Route: From Wulai Old Street to Wulai Waterfall (or vice versa)

Wulai Log Cart Old Street Terminal

While the ride is short, it’s full of charm. The train clanks and rattles as it moves slowly along the tracks, hugging the curves of the riverbank.

As you ride, you’ll pass lush trees, steep ravines, and occasional mist drifting in from the waterfall up ahead.

Where to Board the Log Cart

There are two stations:

Wulai Station (Old Street Terminal) – Located near the end of Wulai Old Street, next to a small plaza.
Waterfall Station (瀑布站) – Situated beside the viewing area for Wulai Waterfall and near the Yun Hsien Cable Car.

Wulai Log Cart Old Street Terminal in the morning

Most people ride the cart from Old Street to the Waterfall, and walk back on foot to enjoy the riverside scenery at a slower pace.

The railway is parallel to Pubu Road where you can also walk

📌 Tip: If you want to skip the uphill walk to the waterfall, take the cart going one-way uphill and walk down later—it’s easier on the legs.

Riding Wulai Log Cart

Each log cart has multiple open-air passenger cabins, each just wide enough for 2 people to sit side by side but can accommodate up to 10 passengers. The track is narrow and the cabins are small, but that’s part of the appeal—it feels like stepping into a vintage amusement ride set deep in the woods.

Wulai Log Cart at Waterfall Station

As you depart from the station, the track runs alongside the turquoise Nanshi River (南勢溪), offering views of rapids and boulders as the forest closes in around you. Birds call out from the trees and the air grows cooler as you climb in elevation.

Scenic view from the log cart

💡 Photography tip: Sit on the left side when going uphill to get the best view of the river and cliffs.

The gentle chugging of the cart and the clickety-clack of wheels on track add to the nostalgic vibe. It’s not fast, it’s not flashy—but it’s wonderfully relaxing.

Family-Friendly and Fun for All Ages

The Wulai Log Cart is especially popular with families and older visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Wulai without doing too much walking. Kids love the open-air ride, and adults often appreciate the convenience of skipping the steep 20-minute hike from Old Street to the falls.

The ride is also wheelchair-accessible upon request, and the staff are friendly and helpful, often assisting guests with boarding and safety checks.

Waterfall Station

Is the Wulai Log Cart Worth It?

Yes, absolutely. For just NT$50, the Log Cart provides a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in Taiwan. It’s a blend of history, nature, and fun—a ride that helps you appreciate how Wulai evolved from a timber town into a peaceful retreat.

Even if you’re only in Wulai for half a day, the Log Cart adds color and character to your itinerary. Combine it with the waterfall, the Yun Hsien cable car, and a stroll along Wulai Old Street, and you’ve got a well-rounded nature trip just an hour from downtown Taipei.

Wulai Falls

Final Thoughts: A Ride Through Time

The Wulai Log Cart is more than just transportation—it’s a journey through history, culture, and one of Taiwan’s most scenic landscapes. Whether you’re a train lover, a family traveler, or just someone seeking quiet moments in the forest, the Log Cart offers a gentle, memorable way to explore Wulai.

So next time you visit, don’t just walk—ride. Let the click of the wheels and the sway of the tracks take you back to a simpler time, one meter-gauge rail at a time.

Planning to spend a day in Wulai? Check out my day tour Wulai itinerary that includes Old Street, Log Cart, Waterfall, and the cable car to Yun Hsien Resort!

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Riding the Wulai Log Cart: A Nostalgic Mini-Train Through Taiwan’s Forests