Fairytale forests in Aragon to dive into and explore this autumn

For lovers of hiking and trails, the fairytale forests are some of the most beautiful places in Aragon where you can lose yourself this autumn. These natural spaces become particularly magical and attractive due to the 
change of colour of their vegetation with reddish, orange and yellow tones dyeing everything, creating a magical aura.

If you are thinking of going on a weekend excursion to enjoy and discover some of Aragon’s natural resources, we have some ideas for you to get lost among the bushes and undergrowth in some of Aragon’s most charming forests:

BETATO FOREST

They say that it is inhabited by witches, fairies and elves and seeing the appearance of the Betato forest, no one would find it hard to believe. Joining the Huesca towns of Tramacastilla de Tena and Piedrafita, there is a large forest full of pines, beeches and birches that turn yellowish colours during the autumn. It is one of the most charming forests and has the greatest botanical wealth within the Alto Gállego region. It has a gradient of just 90 metres, so walking through it is nothing more than a pleasant walk that can also be done with children.

The impressive beech trees are the stars of this forest, which can be explored on a circular route lasting about two and a half hours and with little difficulty.

PINARES DE RODENO

The reddish sandstones are mixed with the green of the Rodeno pine in the Protected Landscape of the Pinares de Rodeno. These spectacular pine forests cover the towns of Albarracín, Bezas and Gea de Albarracín and together with the resin pines, oaks, holm oaks and other vegetation, species such as the golden eagle, owls, peregrine falcons, deer, roe deer and coal tit coexist.

In addition to the impressive landscape, the Pinares de Rodeno also allow you to take a trip back in time with the Levantine rock art preserved in some caves and rocks (and which is part of UNESCO’s Natural Heritage). When you go into the Pinares you can see interesting shapes that water, wind and temperature changes have created in the rocks. The Pinares can be accessed through the three towns and you can take different routes that the hiker can find duly signposted in these places.

LABATI FOREST

In the vastness of the Western Valleys Natural Park, there is a fairy-tale forest called Labati. An extensive mass of trees where you can find black and Scots pines, beech trees, hazelnuts, maples and rowans that, in autumn, look more beautiful than ever with the variety of shades they achieve. On the way up to the Lizara refuge, there is a very special corner of this place: “The circle of witches”, a yew forest that is full of legends of witchcraft and potions.

Every step inside this forest is a spectacle of nature for the walker, as the different tree species and colours fill everything in their path. Along the walk you can find places such as the “Cave of the Madman” (not suitable for the faint-hearted) where it is said that a possessed man lived or a large beech tree.

PARDINA OF THE LORD OF FANLO

Considered one of the most beautiful forests in Spain , and even in Europe, to visit in autumn, the Pardina del Señor de Fanlo is another essential stop for lovers of excursions. This large forest of beech, fir, pine, birch, maple, boxwood and oak is located between the towns of Fanlo and Sarvisé.

Paradoxically, the best views of the landscape are from the car, specifically on the 12-kilometre road that links the two municipalities of Huesca. Although it is true that immersing yourself in it through a route such as the GR-15 trail (which descends the Chate river ravine) is also a very good option.

The great chromatic variety that emerges from this forest in autumn is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful visual spectacles that can be seen in Aragon.

MONCAYO NATURAL PARK

The province of Zaragoza also hides impressive forests and landscapes to discover in autumn. And, as it could not be otherwise, the Moncayo Natural Park stands out as one of the places that shine the most in autumn due to the shades of its leaves. Throughout its 11,000 hectares (which extend through towns such as Tarazona, Añón de Moncayo, Calcena or Purujosa) the oaks, holm oaks and pines turn reddish colours on an obligatory excursion.

The Moncayo Natural Park can be accessed via various trails and paths, although perhaps one of the most beautiful accesses is the one from the Veruela Monastery. If even Bécquer himself was inspired by this place, there must be a reason for that…

OZA JUNGLE

The Oza Forest, in the Hecho Valley, is a magical and unique place in the world that invites you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. This place is home to one of the most important masses of trees in Aragon with impressive heights that will make those who observe them feel like they are in an authentic fairy-tale landscape.

Among spectacular fir, pine and beech forests, there is a large area in which the “La boca del infierno” ravine stands out, a descent that allows you to enjoy the landscape in all its splendor.

In the Selva de Oza there is a wide variety of hiking routes such as the Ibón de Acherito or the Aguas Tuertas valley, perfect for admiring the landscape and getting lost among the autumn colours.