Route description
The PR-TE-153 begins on the paved road leading to El Parrissal, sharing its route with the GR 8 and the Matarranya-Algars Nature Trail, about two kilometres from the village, past the junction with the Fortins de Cabrera trail. Shortly after the start, the path crosses the Barranc de Les Marrades ravine and climbs towards Mas de García, where it joins a track. It continues along the track to a nearby junction where it leaves the GR 8, now following only the Matarranya-Algars Nature Trail.
The path climbs through the pine forest to a gap in the rocky outcrops that allows a change of slope, descending towards the Barranc del Racó de Guera ravine. It crosses the dry streambed and begins the ascent through the forest towards the Masía de Sant Miquel, where magnificent views open up. At this hilltop the slope changes again and the PR descends into the Matarraña river valley with its spectacular jagged landscapes. The path zigzags along the hillside and descends gently to the rest area at El Parrissal, where the cars are parked.
At El Parrissal, take the track upriver to the Pla de la Mina, a place where coal extracted from the area was once stored and transported. At this point, the PR breaks away from the Nature Trail — which has its Km 0 here — and begins a long, steady climb that ends at Mas de Balanguera. At the foot of its ruins, a circular route to Les Moletes d'Arany begins and ends at this iconic spot, with two branches: the right-hand one climbing along the steep edge of Les Moletes, or the left-hand one first entering the lush interior of the ravine and then, after joining the GR 8, heading to Les Moletes before finally returning to La Balanguera.
Regardless of the direction chosen for the circular section, at the highest point of the route the path meets the GR 8 between Beceite and the Font Ferrera shelter / GR 7 (Tarragona), where this PR ends. The junction with the GR 8 in the Les Moletes area makes it possible to plan an even greater circular route of high scenic value through Els Ports, combining both trails.
