Yichang Dalaoling Old-Growth Forest Traverse

Route Overview

Dalaoling lies in Dengcun Township of Yichang, Hubei, spanning areas connected to Yichang, Zigui, and Xingshan. It is one of the representative old-growth forest backcountry zones in the wider Three Gorges region.

This three-day trekking and camping route links Huangjiahe, Dizhuwu, Wuzhishan, Lover’s Lake, Yaowang Creek, and Futangping. Along the way, the team moves through forest, streams, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and century-old houses for a route that feels remote but highly varied.

Route Highlights

• A three-day traverse through a forested hidden side of the Three Gorges region.
• Representative stops include Dizhuwu, Wuzhishan, Lover’s Lake, and Yaowang Creek.
• It works well as a summer escape and also offers strong forest color in autumn.
• Streams, waterfalls, lakes, and forest camps combine into a route well suited to camping-oriented outdoor groups.

Schedule

Day 1: Yichang – Huangjiahe – Dizhuwu

Start around midday near Huangjiahe Clinic and enter the mountain route by following the creek valley. The team moves upstream through forest and water sections, then reaches Dizhuwu by evening to visit the century-old European-style house and camp on nearby flat ground.

Day 2: Dizhuwu – Wuzhishan – Lover’s Lake

Break camp early and enter the core forest section. Reach the summit area of Wuzhishan around midday, then continue in the afternoon to Lover’s Lake and settle into camp for dinner, rest, and camp management.

Day 3: Lover’s Lake – Yaowang Creek – Futangping

After breakfast, leave Lover’s Lake and descend via the old abandoned scenic-road direction. Reach the Yaowang Creek waterfall area at midday, then continue out to Futangping in the afternoon for headcount, gear check, and the return transfer.

Accommodation & Supplies

• Both nights are mainly camp-based, so tents, sleeping pads, a -5°C sleeping bag, headlamp, and rain protection are required.
• Meals are primarily camp food and trail meals, with public gear and personal supplies distributed in advance.
• Local dishes such as Yangtze fatty fish, cured meats, and farmhouse meals can be added before or after the route.
• Supplies in the forest are limited, so enough drinking water, water-treatment methods, and energy food must be prepared before entry.

Safety & Support

• Fully waterproof hiking shoes, rain gear, trekking poles, a first-aid kit, and protection against snakes and leeches are essential.
• Creek valleys, forest ground, and abandoned scenic paths may all be slippery, so pace should be controlled and solo movement avoided.
• Campsites require strong discipline around moisture protection, insects, waste carry-out, and fire control.
• Leaders handle route finding, group pacing, campsite decisions, and risk reminders, while also planning transfers, retreat points, and weather contingencies ahead of time.