Salt de la Tosca

Salt de la Tosca is a small but striking waterfall in Castellcir, in the Moianès region of Barcelona province. Water drops roughly six metres over a wall of travertine rock — locally called "tosca," which gives the falls their name — into a natural pool below. The waterfall sits in the Vall de Marfà enclave, which belongs administratively to Castellcir even though it's geographically cut off from the rest of the municipality, wedged between the towns of Castellterçol and Moià. The stream feeding it, the Riera de Marfà, cuts through soft marl before hitting a band of harder rock, and that contrast in hardness is what created the drop in the first place.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point is near the GR-3 trail junction at Creueta, reached via an unpaved track branching off the C-59 road. Parking there is limited to a handful of cars, so arriving early in busy periods helps — or you can park in Moià itself and walk in, which adds distance to the hike. A full loop around the valley runs about 10 km and takes roughly 2.5 hours, though a shorter version of about 8 km covers just the mill and waterfall. The terrain is mostly flat with only gentle climbs, which is why the route is rated easy and works well for families with children and for people walking dogs. There's no water source along the trail, so carry at least 1.5 litres per person.

What will you see?

The centerpiece is the waterfall itself, spilling from a six-metre ledge into a small natural pool, with a cave hidden behind it that the water has carved out of the softer rock over time. Right beside it stand the ruins of the Molí de Brotons, a water mill first recorded in 1608 (also known as Molí dels Pilars or Molí de la Tosca) that was built partly by carving into the rock and partly by using a natural cave as part of its structure. The mill kept working into the 19th century until a major flood in 1863 destroyed the buildings and killed eight members of the miller's family, after which the site was abandoned for good. Two of its interior rooms are still accessible today. On the longer route you can also reach the Gorg Estret, a narrow gorge cut by the Riera del Castellnou stream, the medieval Ermita de la Tosca chapel (viewable from the outside only), and the old Masia de Marfà farmhouse.

When should you visit?

The waterfall is reachable year-round, but it's at its most dramatic after rain, when the flow noticeably picks up. In drier months the falls run thinner and the pool below can turn algae-covered, so it's worth checking conditions before deciding whether to get in the water. Much of the trail is unshaded, so sun protection is worth packing for summer visits. About 2.5 km away, near Moià, the Parc del Molí Nou picnic area offers tables and reservoir views, making it a convenient stop after the walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt de la Tosca suitable for children? Yes. The route is rated easy and mostly flat, and it's a regular destination for families with kids as well as people walking dogs.

How long does the hike to the waterfall take? The full loop around Vall de Marfà covers about 10 km and takes around 2.5 hours, but a shorter 8 km version leads directly to the mill and the waterfall.

Can you swim at the waterfall? There's a small natural pool beneath the falls, but in dry periods it can become covered in algae, so it's best to check the water on site before getting in.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Along the same trail you'll find the ruins of the Molí de Brotons mill, the narrow Gorg Estret gorge, and the medieval Ermita de la Tosca chapel.