
JF-7038: a fabulous road if you are not scared of heights
Spain, europe
42.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Spain, in the Jaén province of Andalusia. You veer off the JF-7016 and find yourself on the JF-7038, a totally amazing road snaking through the Segura valley.
This paved ribbon of asphalt is your ticket to some seriously stunning scenery. We're talking a narrow mountain road hugging the Segura River, with incredible views of the Embalse de Anchuricas-Miller reservoir. Spooky fact: beneath those waters lies the drowned village of Las Casicas, and you can still spot the old church! The whole adventure is about 42.6 km (26.47 miles) of pure bliss, ending at the A63 on the border with Albacete.
Nestled in the Sierra de Segura mountains, within the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, this road is no walk in the park. It's a bit of a challenge, especially along the reservoir where it gets super narrow. But trust me, the insane views more than make up for it. Imagine driving through tunnels of trees, with vistas that will blow your mind. You'll likely have the road almost entirely to yourself, as there's barely any traffic. You can hit this road year-round, but be warned: it might be closed temporarily in winter if the weather gets dicey.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 42.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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