Charco del Acebrón Trail

During spring and summer the forest appears in all its splendour. After blossoming, which occurs between December and April, the new leaves form a green canopy that closes off the area, creating a shady atmosphere. Large ash trees flank the entrance, standing on the riverbank very close to the water. These large trees, which have compound leaves and a knotty trunk, have been used intensively since ancient times.

The next to appear is a willow grove which occupies almost the entire riverbed. The walkway enables you to get a closer look at the willows and Mediterranean buckthorns, an endemic species in western Andalusia. These are accompanied by a number climbing plants: honeysuckle, wild vine and sarsaparilla form a compact plant mass creating hiding places for countless small birds.

A forest of stone pines appears behind the riparian forest. The pathway then leas back into the riparian forest to negotiate the stream. Before leaving this second walkway, under the willows, you will be able to observe interesting species of ferns like royal ferns and marsh ferns (Thelypteris palustris). Behind them stands a cork oak forest. The branches of ancient large trees spread throughout this shady, exuberant environment. In amongst the cork oaks you will find extraordinary specimens of strawberry trees and other noble scrubland species including mock privets and myrtles.

In the last section of the trail, there are a number of tributaries of the streams surrounded by a dense concentration of bushes with species including sand sedges, bulrushes and sedges. Next to these bushy plants there a number of specimens of white poplar that will remain with you until the end of the tour.

In the area surrounding this route you will find the Acebron Palace, home to one of the visitor centres in the Doñana, where we can learn much more about this important natural area.