The Sierra Morena Natural Park in Seville features all kinds of winding paths that change with each season and offer a fascinating array of colors that never fail to surprise, season after season. One thing that, however, makes it difficult to explore the mountain range is that not all the villages are accessible without private transportation. That’s why, among all the trails, there’s a beautiful, flat hike along a river and through trees that you can reach by train from Santa Justa. It’s the Molino del Corcho Trail, and it begins less than 1.5 km from the Cazalla-Constantina train station.
The trail follows the Rivera del Huéznar between Cazalla de la Sierra and Constantina. It’s an easy route with almost no elevation gain, suitable for those new to hiking.
Guidebooks list its length as between 9 and 10 km: local trail organizers say it’s about 9 km, while other sources describe a loop of about 10 km. It takes about three hours to walk at a leisurely pace, including stops, so be sure to bring water.
A riverside forest with otters and birds
What sets this walk apart is the riparian forest that runs alongside the river: alders, ash trees, and willows that provide shade along almost the entire route. It’s home to many species of birds as well as otters, so it’s best to walk slowly and keep your ears open.
Along the route stands an old flour mill that later operated as a cork mill and is now a rural inn. That’s where the trail gets its name, as does the recreational area where the official route begins.
When to Go and How to Get There
Guidebooks recommend spring for the flowers and fall for the colors of the leaves in the riverside forest. Now, in mid-November, you’re right in the middle of the season for the latter.
The train is the most convenient option. The line connecting Santa Justa to the Cazalla-Constantina station drops you off right at the trailhead. Before you go, check the schedules, travel time, and fare, as it’s a good idea to confirm these details for the day you choose.
If you prefer to go by car, keep in mind that the parking lot at the Molino del Corcho recreational area has space for about 13 vehicles. Cars are not allowed beyond that point due to the risk of fire, so the rest of the route must be covered on foot.
- Where: Molino del Corcho recreational area, between Cazalla de la Sierra and Constantina.
- Distance: between 9 and 10 km, depending on the source.
- Difficulty: easy, mostly flat terrain.
- Best time to visit: spring and fall.
