Cascadas del Hueznar

Cascadas del Huéznar, near the village of San Nicolás del Puerto, is a compact but striking waterfall system on the Huéznar River, right in the heart of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla Natural Park. Sitting on the boundary between the municipalities of San Nicolás del Puerto and Alanís, about 100 km from Seville, the site has been protected as a Natural Monument (Monumento Natural) by the Junta de Andalucía since 2001.

What will you see there?

The Huéznar River has built up a distinctive rocky step here made of tufa — calcareous deposits laid down over thousands of years by the calcium-rich water. The result is a two-tier cascade spread across roughly 15 metres between the banks. The falls are framed by dense gallery forest — elms, ash trees, willows and alders form a green corridor along the water, giving welcome shade in summer and colourful foliage reflected in the river come autumn.

A couple of kilometres upstream, right in the village of San Nicolás del Puerto, lies the Nacimiento del Huéznar, the river's source. Many visitors combine both stops in a single outing, since they're barely two kilometres apart.

How do you get there?

From San Nicolás del Puerto, the local road SE-7101 leads to the El Martinete recreational area, where you'll find parking and the signposted trailhead for the falls. On weekends and holidays, especially in spring and autumn, the main car park fills up fast, so arriving early in the morning is worth it.

An alternative is walking or cycling in along a stretch of the Vía Verde de la Sierra Norte, a former railway line linking Cerro del Hierro with San Nicolás del Puerto that runs right past the waterfalls. You can leave the car in the village and follow the old track to the marked turn-off down to the cascades.

What's the route like, and how long does it take?

The Sendero de las Cascadas del Huéznar is a circular route of about 7 km, rated easy, that takes roughly three and a half hours at a relaxed pace. There are no steep climbs or technical stretches, which makes it a solid choice for family outings, children included.

When's the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn offer the best conditions, when the river typically carries the most water and temperatures are comfortable for longer walks. These are also the busiest periods, so aim for early mornings on weekdays if you can. In summer, the gallery forest keeps most of the trail shaded, making the walk manageable even on hot days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, the path to the falls is rated easy with no steep sections, making it a good option for families with kids.

How long does it take to see the falls and walk the full loop? The full circular route covers about 7 km and takes around three and a half hours at an easy pace, though reaching the falls themselves from the El Martinete car park is much quicker.

Where can I park? The main car park is at the El Martinete recreational area, reached via the SE-7101 road from San Nicolás del Puerto. During busy periods, arrive early since spaces fill up fast.

Is it worth combining this with the Nacimiento del Huéznar? Yes — the river's source is right in the village, about two kilometres from the falls, so most visitors see both on the same trip.