The Community of Madrid is a box of surprises. Although almost all the fame falls on the capital, the rest of the region overflows with beauty, both in the nearby villages, perfect for a getaway, and in the forests where we find these magnificent waterfalls near Madrid.
The way to get to these waterfalls involves taking a hiking route to discover the natural wealth of the region, get to know better the rural areas and do some sport at the same time.
1. Chorrera de los Litueros Waterfall
The highest waterfall in the Community of Madrid is in Somosierra, which tops the ranking of the coldest villages in Madrid. It is 40 vertiginous meters high, and the noise of the water splashing down completely dissolves the silence of the mountain. The Duratón River is born from the force of this spectacular stream.
2. Purgatory Waterfall
From the Monastery of El Paular and heading the bridge of El Perdón you can reach this treasure of Rascafría, where the Aguilón stream rushes into two beautiful waterfalls . Before reaching the Purgatorio waterfall, the road leads us to the Presillas, natural pools where the excursion doubles its attraction.
3. Pradillo Reservoir waterfall.
Also in Rascafría, near the Purgatorio Waterfall, are the Pradillo Reservoir and its magical waterfall, so in a circular route both locations could be visited. Its waters are considered to be the most crystalline in the area.
In this environment of oaks and pines you can also see the Monument to the Forest Ranger in the Mirador de los Robledos, the Casa de la Horca and its lagoon or the Angostura bridge. The reservoir, in its origins, served as a supply for the old light factory. It is a comfortable walk with plenty of shadows, so that its 11 km can be walked quietly in summer.
4. San Mamés Waterfall
The Chorro stream, a tributary of the Lozoya, plummets from the top of a rocky wall that reaches 30 meters, forming the Chorrera de San Mamés. You can’t miss it: you can see it from the road and to get there you only have to follow the path that starts at the San Mamés hermitage. This enclave framed by pine trees is surprising for its steep slope and the roar of the waterfall when it hits the ground.
5. Cancho Litero waterfall
Navalafuente hides the Cascada del Cancho Litero, this barely known bend in the middle of nature, so apart from its beauty you can enjoy the intimacy of the area. The steam in the air and the murmur of the water reveal where is the hiding place of the waterfall, which melts inside a breathtaking pool.
6. Shower of the Germans
The Roman road of Cercedilla flows into the Ducha de los Alemanes. This curious double waterfall takes its name from the German mountaineers who washed themselves here at the beginning of the last century. The water falls bravely over two meters, which explains the convenience of the waterfall to take a shower.
7. Hervidero Waterfall
This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Madrid, just over 40 kilometers from the capital, is called the Hervidero, and is a good option for a pleasant summer getaway. The route, which starts in San Agustín de Guadalix, can be done on foot or by bicycle. It is long, but has hardly any slopes, so it is very comfortable. Even so, it is accessible by car until practically reaching the waterfalls.
This place has impressive paths and aqueducts such as Retuerta, Valcaliente or La Sima. And it can boast of having been chosen as one of the scenes of the Red Eagle series.
8. Hornillo Waterfall
The Hornillo waterfall is a beautiful 10-meter waterfall that can be easily visited from the Aceña bridge, between Robledondo and Santa María de la Alameda. It offers a circular route between oaks, poplar pines and rockroses, with few slopes. On the way back, you can see the Aceña reservoir and, if the day is clear and allows it, there are beautiful views of the Monastery of El Escorial and the Sierra de Gredos.
9. Guarramillas waterfalls and Socrates pool.
One kilometer south of Puerto de Cotos you can visit the Guarramillas stream. The water forms a small waterfall and what is known as the Sócrates pool, named not after the philosopher but after Sócrates Quintana Montoto, an Atlético de Madrid player who was part of the Spanish Alpine Club. This is not the only one in the area, you can also see another 15 m waterfall and more pools.
10. Mojonavalle Waterfall
The Chorrera de Mojonavalle has a height of 30 meters and forms the source of the Arroyo del Sestil del Maíllo. Located in Puerto de Canencia, which has the only birch forest in the region, and is a perfect route for hiking. On the way to this waterfall in Madrid we can enjoy the views of Collado Hermoso and Canchos de los Abastos.
11. Boca del asno
Right on the border between Madrid and Segovia is the Boca del Asno, in the middle of the Sierra del Guadarrama. The route to the waterfalls follows the meadows of the Eresma River and surrounds the mountains of Valsaín. Although it forms some attractive natural pools, bathing is prohibited since 2019.
On the way you can also find the Pesquerías Reales, some artificial waterfalls that King Carlos III ordered to build so that the trout would breed better in the area and be able to fish them.