The best MTB trails around Cardedeu

It was built between 1920 and 1935 to supply a hotel that never quite lived up to expectations. Interestingly, it was conceived as a luxury tourism destination but ended up becoming part of a nature reserve. Today, it's a popular spot on hiking and biking routes, although the terrain isn't easy: lots of roots, rocks, and waterlogged areas after rain. The reservoir dries up considerably in summer, completely transforming the landscape and revealing mudflats and a rocky bottom. It's one of those places where the water level rises and falls as it pleases, giving it character. It's not ideal for cyclists, but it is photogenic, secluded, and has the feel of a place that holds a secret.

It's a megalithic tomb, approximately 5,000 years old, discovered in 1997 and restored in 2006-2007. Located in the heart of the Montnegre i el Corredor Natural Park, it's easy to miss, but it has a history: it belonged to a Neolithic community that used it as a collective grave. Interestingly, remains of the tumulus that covered it are still preserved, which is unusual, and its orientation seems related to astronomical events, like other dolmens in the area. It's an archaeological rarity in the middle of a prime cycling area, perfect for stopping and reflecting that humans once walked this path... but without helmets.

An ancient watchtower with a Roman base and medieval structure, perched at an altitude of 416 meters, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the Vallès region. Built to monitor roads and warn of dangers, it was converted into a hunting lodge in 1906, with the addition of a kitchen and bedrooms. Later, it fell into disrepair, was vandalized, and was restored in 2011. Today, it is open to the public and a popular stop for cyclists due to its strategic location, shade, and natural viewpoint. The base retains Roman ashlar blocks, making it an archaeological rarity in the heart of the mountains.

Located about 6 km from Llinars del Vallès and at an altitude of 406 meters, the hermitage of Sant Sebastià offers beautiful views, shade, and a picnic area, making it an ideal stop along the way. Documented since 1640, it lay in ruins until 2016 when a group of volunteers began its reconstruction, which was faithfully completed in 2018. The hermitage, measuring 10 x 5 meters, was notable for its bell gable, voussoir archway, and granite blocks. Traditionally, gatherings were held there in honor of Saint Sebastian, protector against the plague and storms. Small stones found in the surrounding area were believed to bring good luck and protection.

A modest peak in Pla de la Calma, used by shepherds as a natural lookout point: from there they could see when the fogs descended from Matagalls, and the whistling of the wind in its small hollow signaled impending bad weather. The slate of the hill bears marks of use by old charcoal burners and muleteers, indicating that it was more of a practical crossing point than a refuge. A simple place, yet rich in historical significance.

The large Cànoves reservoir, built in the 1980s on the former agricultural valley that was submerged. In addition to its function as a water reserve, there is a little-discussed detail: under its waters still lie the remains of terraces, old paths and some dry stone walls that can only be glimpsed in periods of extreme drought. During construction, springs and water mines were diverted that still drain the area. Access is easy, the perimeter path is gentle and the closed valley creates a characteristic silence that accompanies the entire tour. A perfect point to understand how this corner of Montseny went from an inhabited valley to a peaceful lake.

About 300 meters before reaching the hermitage along the track from Òrrius, on the left, dry stone walls are preserved, the remains of a shelter used by Republican militiamen during the Civil War. It's not signposted, but it's visible if you get off your bike and explore a bit. The surroundings are very peaceful and steeped in history: the hermitage was also used as a temporary shelter.

A very interesting megalithic area, both for its history and for the countless tracks, trails, and trials, each more fun than the last.