Chorrera de los Litueros

Chorrera de los Litueros is the tallest waterfall in the Community of Madrid, tucked into the mountains above Somosierra beside the old N-I highway. Water drops roughly 40 metres over granite rock, forming a dramatic cascade at over 1,400 metres above sea level.

Where is Chorrera de los Litueros located?

The waterfall sits in the Los Litueros natural area, a few kilometres from the centre of Somosierra, in the northern edge of the Community of Madrid near the border with Segovia. Access runs along the old N-I road — once you reach Somosierra, continue about 1.5 km along the old route, then head on foot toward the headwaters of the Caño stream.

How do you get there?

The simplest approach is by car to Somosierra, followed by a short stretch on the old N-I highway to the trailhead. From there, a well-known circular hiking route of about 12 km begins, typically completed in around four hours (two hours out, two back). Elevation gain is modest, so the walk suits hikers with average fitness, though the final 50 metres down to the streambank are steep and require care.

What will you see there?

Water gathering from springs high in the surrounding peaks feeds the Caño stream, which first runs in a straight line before breaking apart irregularly over the Litueros rocks — this stretch forms the main cascade. Below the waterfall, the stream merges with the Pedrizas, and this confluence marks the birth of the Duratón river, which continues through Madrid, Segovia and Valladolid provinces. The setting is a raw, rocky landscape of granite outcrops set against the mountain forests of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Chorrera de los Litueros stands out among the region's cascades for its height and comparatively strong flow — it's one of the few local watercourses that doesn't drain into the Tagus, instead feeding the Duratón system.

When should you visit?

Spring and early summer are the best times to go, when snowmelt and seasonal rain keep the flow at its strongest and the waterfall at its most dramatic. In summer, after long dry spells, the cascade can shrink considerably, while autumn and winter visits are worth checking against the forecast — frost and snow make the approach harder, though icy rock formations can be striking for experienced hikers.

What should you know before you go?

The trail is marked and popular with local hikers, but there's no infrastructure here — no cafés, no fenced viewpoints — this is a route through largely wild terrain. Sturdy trekking shoes, water and food are worth bringing, since the full route takes several hours. Parking is available along the old N-I road in Somosierra.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Chorrera de los Litueros waterfall? The cascade drops about 40 metres, making it the tallest waterfall in the Community of Madrid.

How long is the hike to the waterfall? The popular circular route covers roughly 12 km and takes about four hours round trip.

Is the trail difficult? The path itself has little elevation change and suits hikers of average fitness, though the last stretch down to the streambed is steep and needs caution.

Which river originates near the waterfall? Below the falls, the Caño stream joins the Pedrizas to form the Duratón river, which flows on through Madrid, Segovia and Valladolid.