🎵 Audio guide
La Cervigona Waterfall hidden at the head of a valley in the mountains to the north of Acebo is one of the Sierra de Gata's most spectacular natural treasures. The scenic protected area of ecological and geological importance is an ample reward for those who walk up the trail to reach it.
Following the course of the Acebo River from the Presa del Prado de las Monjas (Nuns Meadow Dam) leads you through an extraordinary valley where the scents, sounds and colours are a feast for the senses. The path Puentecitos de la Cervigona (Little Bridges of Cervigona) takes you into a deep leafy valley between high mountains covered with Mediterranean forest and scrub.
The trail follows the river which, over the centuries, has shaped the valley creating numerous cascades. Along the trail we cross various small bridges for which the trail is named.
The last section of the path is flatter and it is from here that we get the first views of the waterfall, La Cervigona at the end of the valley.
Continuing towards La Cervigona, we follow the Alisos stream valley with its lush green vegetation surrounded by rugged mountains.
The path ends at the Fabrica de Luz, a former hydroelectric power station which harnessed the power of the waterfall. It was built in 1911 and operated until 1985, since which time it has fallen into disrepair.
The path ends here, more adventurous hikers can follow the course of the river to the foot of La Cervigona waterfall.
La Cervigona is not one single waterfall, instead it is composed of various consecutive falls, the tallest of which is 60m high. They fall from a small plateau on the slopes of Mount Jálama where the streams Los Alisos and Los Puentecillos meet. Just after the confluence of the two streams the water plunges down a vertical slate cliff producing the spectacularCervigona waterfall.
The area surrounding the waterfall is a vertical garden of Mediterranean forest. The slate cliff-face supports a surprising variety of flora with strawberry trees, mastic trees, willows, holm oaks, and oak trees all taking advantage of the cracks in the slate to take root.
There are spectacular views of this area from other trails, with viewpoints which allow you to enjoy the waterfall and its magnificent surroundings from different perspectives.
For keen hikers, there is a 15km route known as Camino Natural de la Ribera de Acebo (Acebo River Trail) with seven well sign-posted paths for which GPS co-ordinates are available.