The 7 Waterfalls of Campdevánol (Ruta dels Gorgs de Cabana) Hiking

Visiting The 7 Waterfalls of Campdevánol

Starting from Campdevànol Adif/Renfe station, head north along the platform and exit onto the road. Turn left, cross the tracks at the level crossing and follow the GI‑401 pavement out of town. After a few minutes, take the narrow country lane on the left. This quiet approach through farmland is one of the most scenic ways to begin the 7 waterfalls hike in Campdevànol.

Continue past fields and a rural farmhouse. After passing through a gate, the trail runs parallel to the El Merdàs river, where you’ll find a picnic area, a milling stone and a natural drinking fountain. This shaded riverside section is a highlight for families and one of the most peaceful forest hiking routes in the Pre‑Pyrenees.

At the end of the lane, follow the curve to the right and rejoin the footpath beside the GI‑401. This path descends to a concrete ford across the river and leads to the main picnic and barbecue area next to the paid parking zone. Continue past the metal footbridge, staying parallel to the river. After around 300 m, you’ll reach a junction marked by a single tree. Turn left here and follow the forest road uphill for 1.2 km, passing the summer entry cabin.

Take the descending forest path to the first waterfall, Gorg de la Cabana. From here, the route becomes a straightforward sequence of riverside footpaths linking each gorge. This is where the trail truly becomes one of the best easy waterfall hikes near Ripoll, with short distances between each pool and plenty of shaded rest spots.

After Gorg del Petit Colomer, the trail reaches a mountain picnic area beside the small summer café. From here, the path drops to the final and largest waterfall, Gorg del Colomer, a popular natural swimming spot in Catalonia during warm months.

From the last waterfall, the route climbs to a gravel track that loops back toward Campdevànol. For the short circular route, follow the level gravel path, take the right fork and continue until the forest opens into a mountain plain with a farmhouse. The trail then follows a rural gravel road before turning right onto a footpath that skirts the treeline and descends back to the picnic area.

Cross the river via the metal footbridge and return to the station along the same path you used at the start. This is a full‑day outing, so allow 6–8 hours depending on swimming stops and photo breaks.

Hiking the 7 Waterfalls of Campdevànol with a Dog

This is an excellent option for a dog‑friendly waterfall hike in Catalonia. The route is forested, shaded and follows a river for much of the way, making it enjoyable for dogs in both summer and winter. The terrain is easy to moderate, with no technical sections.

During the regulated summer period (10 June–30 September), park rangers require dogs to remain on a leash. Outside this period, the trail is quieter and dogs can usually walk off‑leash, provided they are under control. When I completed this route in November, my dog was able to free‑walk — though we did encounter a deer on the final forest descent, which led to an enthusiastic chase. Keep this in mind if you have a return train to catch.

The forest is mostly composed of non‑pine species, so the risk of encountering dangerous Pine Processionary Caterpillars is lower than in other parts of Catalonia. However, vigilance is always recommended in spring and early summer.

Where to Eat in Campdevànol

• Ca La Paquita: A small café and bakery near Campdevànol railway station, ideal for a morning tea, coffee or pastry before starting the 7 waterfalls hike. A convenient stop if you arrive by train.
• Cal Nasset: A popular bakery in the town centre offering sandwiches, pastries and light snacks. A good option for hikers looking for quick food in Campdevànol before or after the route.
• El Tut: A tapas bar in the centre of Campdevànol serving drinks and small plates. Perfect for an afternoon or early‑evening stop after completing the Gorgs de Cabana route.

What to take with you for The 7 Waterfalls of Campdevánol

• Small hiking rucksack with essentials and a basic first‑aid kit
• Lightweight waterproof jacket (optional, depending on the weather forecast)
• 1–2 litres of water (the cafeteria at the last waterfall is not always open)
• Lightweight towel for swimming in the natural pools
• Neoprene swimming shoes (escarpines) to protect feet from stones and slippery riverbeds
• Comfortable hiking shoes suitable for an EASY–MEDIUM waterfall route
• Snacks or a packed lunch for the full‑day hike
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (especially in summer)
• Optional: trekking poles for stability on forest paths

Getting to The 7 Waterfalls of Campdevánol

Address: Estacio de RENFE, Campdevànol, 17530

• By Train: The short circular route starts and ends at Campdevànol Renfe station on the R3 Rodalies line, about 2 hours from Barcelona. This makes it one of the easiest waterfall hikes accessible by train in Catalonia. For the extended 20 km version, start at Campdevànol and finish at Ripoll station. Buy a return ticket to Campdevànol, as the station is unmanned and only has a ticket machine.
• By Car: Take the C‑17 and N‑260 to Campdevànol, then turn onto the GI‑401 towards Sant Llorenç de Campdevànol. After 2.7 km, look for the sign on the left for the paid parking area Àrea de Lleure Font del Querol. Parking costs 5 euros per day and is the closest option for the 7 waterfalls hike.

Documents for The 7 Waterfalls of Campdevánol

Wikiloc Trail for The 7 Waterfalls of Campdevánol

a0228a - The 7 Waterfalls of Campdevanol

A circular route via a river valley with 7 waterfalls - La Cabana, La Tosca, L'Olla, La Bauna, Del Forat, El Petit Colomer and El Gran Colomer. Return via Gausacs Farm.

Transport Network: Rodalies Return Travel Fare: €18.20 Distance: 13.34 Difficulty: MEDIUM

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a0228b - The 9 Waterfalls of Campdevanol to Ripol

A linear route from campdevanol via a river valley with 7 waterfalls - La Cabana, La Tosca, L'Olla, La Bauna, Del Forat, El Petit Colomer and El Gran Colomer. Return via Ripoll.

Transport Network: Rodalies Return Travel Fare: €18.20 Distance: 20.68 Difficulty: MEDIUM

What is Wikiloc?

Weather for Campdevánol

Where to stay overnight near The 7 Waterfalls of Campdevánol

Near the start of both the short and extended routes, you will find Camping Pirinenc and the rural holiday home Mas La Riera de Campdevànol. These are convenient options if you want accommodation close to the 7 waterfalls hike or plan to spend a weekend exploring the area.

If you are staying in Campdevànol for more than one day, I recommend visiting Estiul Aventura Zip Line Park as a fun second‑day activity, especially for families.

For frequent hikers looking for a bigger challenge, there is an extended 20 km version of the route that returns via Ripoll and passes additional waterfalls. This longer route goes near Mas el Mir, home to El Mir Rural Hotel, another good option for places to stay near Ripoll if you want to base yourself closer to the end of the extended hike.

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