Júcar Natural Trail

The Júcar Natural Trail in Cuenca is an impressive route that runs along the stretch of the Júcar River in the province of Cuenca. Throughout 13 stages, complemented by 4 alternative branches, this path takes you through the spectacular landscapes of the Serranía de Cuenca, the gorges and meanders of the river, and gives you the opportunity to explore the cultural and architectural wealth of the area. .

• Stage 1: Birth of the Júcar River – Tragacete
• Branch Stage 1: Tragacete – Source of the Júcar River
• Stage 2: Tragacete – Hélamo
• Stage 3: Hélamo – Molino de Juan Romero Recreational Area
• Branch Stage 3: Molino de Juan Romero Recreational Area – Molino de Juan Romero Recreational Area

The Júcar River, known by different names throughout history, such as Sucro for the Romans and Xuqr For the Arabs, it will accompany you for much of this journey, leaving its channel only occasionally. The first stages of this adventure focus on the Serranía de Cuenca and offer wild landscapes, surrounded by nature, including emblematic places such as the Strait of Hell and the enchanted city.

STAGE 1: Birth of the Júcar River – Tragacete

The first stage of this exciting adventure takes you to the place of birth of the Júcar river, known as the Hell Strait. This place, located in the heart of the Serranía de Cuenca Natural Park, is impressive. Here, due to the calcareous nature of the rock, numerous springs of high-quality crystalline waters emerge.

The beginning of this stage is a unique experience, since you immerse yourself in the beauty of the Estrecho del Infierno, the Estrecho de San Blas and the Molino de la Chorrera Waterfall. These places are a gift for the senses and will remain engraved in your memory.

Along the route, you will be able to enjoy the songs of the birds that live in this area and you will have the opportunity to observe local fauna, such as deer and fallow deer. The path will take you through beautiful pine forests, where you can enjoy nature at its finest.

BRANCH 1.1: Tragacete – Source of the Júcar River

If you want to explore this spectacular environment even more, you can opt for Branch 1.1. This branch begins in the mountain town of Tragacete and offers an additional opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The path on this branch takes you through meadows and pine forests, with impressive panoramic views of the mountains. Although it features challenging slopes in some sections, the reward is in the beauty of the nature that surrounds you.

STAGE 2: Tragacete to Hélamo

In this second stage, the Júcar Natural Path takes you from Tragacete to Huélamo, two beautiful towns in Cuenca that mark the beginning and the end of this stage. Between these two points, you will find numerous points of interest that you will not want to miss.

The stage begins at the interpretive panel next to the CM-2106 highway, marking the beginning of the path. From here, you can choose to continue along the road through Tragacete or take the route through the streets of the town following the Great Routes (GR) markings.

If you decide to follow the Nature Trail, you will advance along paths flanked by pine forests and beautiful mountain landscapes. During the journey, you can enjoy panoramic views and, occasionally, spot griffon vultures in the limestone rock cuts.

The stage continues towards Tragacete Viewpoint, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Tragacete, the source of the Júcar River and the Serranía de Cuenca before entering the pine forests.

The path through the pine forests offers stunning scenery, and you may see sheep grazing freely in these forests. The trail will take you through areas with a variety of bushes and trees, surrounding you with a natural fragrance.

As you progress, you will pass through the Cuco Fountain and La Tocona Fountain, and you will notice the presence of old farrowing or Taino pens that remember the livestock tradition of the area. The stage will take you next to the Júcar River and the Cordel de Huélamo, and you will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes along the way.

After a section of descent and a demanding ascent, you will reach the Juan Romero Recreational Area, where you can rest and enjoy the beauty of the place before finish this stage in Hélamo.

STAGE 3: Hélamo – Molino de Juan Romero Recreational Area

He The beginning of the stage is at the entrance to Huélamo, near the interpretive panel of Natural Trails. Here, you will find other panels that offer different options for exploring this beautiful environment. In front of them, a monument pays tribute to "the charges," who are important figures in the town's patron saint festivities.

The path takes you through the streets of Huélamo and up the hill where the town is located. As you progress, you will enter the pine forests, and wildlife will be present around you.

The path will take you to the Las Nogueras Fountain, where you will find another source that highlights the abundance of herdsmen in this area. The pine forests here are arranged in alignments, suggesting that they have been planted by the hand of man.

Along the way, you will be able to appreciate the presence of old farrowing or Taino pens that remember the livestock tradition of the region. The journey continues through the pine forests, offering you an impressive natural environment.

As you advance and immerse yourself in the coniferous forest, you will get closer to the Cordel de Hélamo and the Júcar river. This stage does not present technical difficulties, so you will be able to enjoy the landscape without problems.

Finally, you will reach the Juan Romero Recreational Area, a perfect place to rest and enjoy the surroundings before finishing the stage. The stone tables, the shadows of the large pine trees and the natural environment invite you to relax and recharge your batteries.

Branch Stage 3: Molino de Juan Romero Recreational Area – Molino de Juan Romero Recreational Area

This is a circular route that begins next to the Júcar River, in the Juan Romero Recreational Area. The path surrounds the Peña del Castellar and the Cerro del Noguerón, visiting tributaries of the Júcar, such as the Magdalena stream and the Pedregoso stream. It is characterized by an environment full of life and natural beauty.

The stage begins near the Natural Trails interpretive panel at the entrance to the Juan Romero Recreational Area and crosses the CU-V-9112 highway. It also passes near the old Juan Romero mill, which is located on the banks of the Júcar River.

The route combines sections of dirt and cement and crosses the Magdalena stream. Then, ascend a rocky slope with beautiful panoramic views. After approximately 2 kilometers, a pedestrian and descending section begins through a pine forest and a gallery forest next to the Magdalena stream. There is a wooden bridge to cross the stream.

After crossing the CU-V-9112 road, you continue on a wide track that goes up through a forested area with conifers and hardwoods. Then, you reach the Peña del Castellar, a place with a rich history.

The route advances through the plain of the Noguerón stream and then turns towards the Rodenillo ravine. The riparian forest is scarce in this area. The path passes near the ruins of an old farrowing pen used to shelter cattle in the past.

The path then enters a new pine forest before turning left onto a wide, well-maintained forest track. The descent is easy and streams are crossed without problems.

Finally, the path joins stage 3 of the Júcar Natural Trail and returns to the Juan Romero Recreational Area, thus completing the circular route.

This tour allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and explore the rivers, forests and historic landscapes of the area.

Cycling