There are many places to enjoy nature all along its length. The windbreak forests near its mouth shelter many waterfowl and egrets. In the intertidal zone, where salt water and freshwater meet, at low tide one can also admire the mangroves and fiddler crabs. The river is a fine place for water- and nature-based leisure activities.
發源於阿里山，全年水量豐沛、總長七十多公里的朴子溪，是條享受生態休閒的好路線，近海防風林，水鳥及鷺鷥特多，由於位處淡、鹹水交接的潮間帶，退潮時還可欣賞紅樹林及招潮蟹，可說是親水生態休閒的好所在。