The Akchour Waterfalls

Akchour is a village at the end of a road east of Chefchaouen, in the Talassemtane mountains, and it is the trailhead for the best known walk in the Rif. From the dam two paths lead off: one follows the river upstream past a series of green pools and small cascades to the big waterfall, a long drop into a cold plunge pool, and the other climbs steeply to the natural rock arch known as God's Bridge, a limestone span left standing high above the gorge. Both are half day walks; doing both makes a long day. Simple cafés with mats and low tables sit along the river, and in summer the pools fill with swimmers.

What you actually see

• The big waterfall - a long drop into a cold plunge pool at the head of the valley.
• The river pools - a chain of green pools and small falls along the path.
• God's Bridge - a natural limestone arch standing high over the gorge.
• The riverside cafés - tea and tagines served on mats beside the water.

When to go

Spring gives the strongest flow and the greenest valley; early autumn is drier but still good. Summer weekends are very busy with Moroccan visitors and the pools get crowded, though the water is welcome in the heat. Start early, because both walks take longer than people expect and the light goes early in the gorge.

Honest expectations

The paths are rocky, uneven and cross the river several times on planks and stones, so shoes matter and the crossings are dangerous after heavy rain. Distances are consistently underestimated by the signs and by guides at the trailhead. Prices at the riverside cafés are often told to you after you eat, so ask first. Litter along the lower river is bad in summer.

Nearby

Chefchaouen is under an hour west, and the fir forests of Talassemtane National Park rise directly above the village.