The Community of Madrid is a box of surprises. Although most of the fame goes to the capital city, the rest of the region is overflowing with beauty, both in the nearby villages, perfect for a getaway the waterfalls are located in the forests where we find these magnificent waterfalls near Madrid.
The way to reach these waterfalls will involve doing some work hiking route with which to discover the natural wealth of the region, get to know the rural areas better and do sports at the same time.
1. Chorrera de los Litueros
The highest waterfall in the Community of Madrid is in Somosierra, which is at the top of the ranking of coldest towns in Madrid. It is 40 vertiginous meters above sea level, and the noise of the water splashing completely dissolves the silence of the mountain. The Duratón River is born from the force of this spectacular stream.
2. Purgatory Waterfall
From the Paular Monastery and heading the bridge of Perdón you can reach this treasure of Rascafría, where the Aguilón stream rushes in two beautiful waterfalls. Before reaching the Purgatorio waterfall, the road leads us to the Presillas, natural pools the excursion’s attractiveness is enhanced by the following reasons.
3. Pradillo Reservoir Waterfall
Also in Rascafría, near the Cascada del Purgatorio, are the Pradillo Reservoir and its magical waterfall, so a circular route could visit both locations. 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 was originally used to supply the old light factory. It is a comfortable walk with plenty of shade, so its 11 km can be walked easily in summer.
4. San Mamés Waterfall
The Chorro stream, a tributary of the Lozoya, plummets from the top of a rock face 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 hermitage of San Mamés. This enclave framed by pine trees surprises by its steep slope and the roar of the waterfall when it touches the ground.
5. Cancho Litero waterfall
Navalafuente hides the Cancho Litero waterfall, this little known bend in the middle of nature, by which apart from its beauty you can enjoy the intimacy of the area. The steam in the air and the murmur of the water reveal the location of the waterfall’s hiding place, which melts into a breathtaking pool.
6. Germans Shower
The Roman road of Cercedilla flows into the Ducha de los Alemanes. This curious double waterfall takes its name from the German mountaineers who used to wash here at the beginning of the last century. The water falls bravely over a length of two meters, which explains the convenience of the waterfall for taking a shower.
7. Hervidero Waterfall
This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Madrid, just over 40 kilometers from the capital, called Hervidero, and is a good choice 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 trails and aqueducts such as Retuerta, Valcaliente or La Sima. And it can boast of having been chosen as one of the settings for the series Águila Roja.
8. Hornillo Waterfall
The Hornillo waterfall is a beautiful 10 m waterfall that can be easily visited from the Aceña bridge, between Robledondo and Santa María de la Alameda. It offers a circular route among oaks, poplar pines, and rockroses, with few slopes. On the Volver, 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 Runoff
The Chorrera de Mojonavalle has a height of 30 meters and forms the source of the Arroyo del Sestil del Maíllo. Located in the 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. Aljibe Waterfall
The Aljibe waterfall and pools are in the Sierra de Ayllón, in Guadalajara, less than two hours drive from the capital. Roblelacasa is the nearest village and the walk to this double waterfall is 3 km. In the summer months, as is logical, the flow of this stream that flows into the Jarama River drops, although it usually continues to carry water. In autumn and Primavera the waterfall comes down with force and the deciduous trees of the area complete the bucolic landscape.
These waterfalls near Madrid are a gift from the streams and tributaries, some seasonal, that rise or cross the Central system and are a perfect excuse to learn more about the rich orography of the region.