Chorreras de Despeñalagua, Waterfall system in Sierra Norte de Guadalajara, Spain.
The Chorreras de Despeñalagua is a series of cascading waterfalls dropping about 120 meters along the Chorrera stream, a tributary of the Sorbe River. The water tumbles over layered rock formations, creating small pools and rapids as it descends through the mountain valley.
The waterfalls have been sculpting the Sierra Norte landscape for centuries, carving deep channels into the mountainside. This long process of natural erosion demonstrates how water continuously shapes the terrain of this region.
The falls lie near Valverde de los Arroyos, a Black Village where houses are built from dark slate stone. Walking through the village, you see how locals have constructed their homes entirely from this local material for centuries.
The main trail to the waterfalls starts from Valverde de los Arroyos and covers about 4.5 kilometers round trip. Water flow is strongest during colder months when more rain feeds the streams from the surrounding highlands.
During winter months, the water freezes into icicles and ice sheets that transform the falling water into sculptural ice formations. These frozen cascades only occur when temperatures drop enough, creating a temporary landscape of glittering crystalline shapes.
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