WATCH: Police investigate after tourist throws huge rock down heavily populated gorge

An unnamed tourist faces a potential fine of between €5,000 and €200,000 after throwing a large rock into a gorge in Spain’s Picos de Europa National Park, a popular hiking destination.

The stunt was filmed at a point along the popular Cares Trail.

Of the park's estimated two million annual visitors, around 300,000 hike the Cares Trail - its most popular walking route.

Footage captured and posted online to a social media account that features people throwing rocks into voids shows the young man lifting a rock larger than his head to shoulder height before throwing it from a mountainside trail.

Moments later, a loud crash is heard as the rock hits the ground far below.

The video quickly circulated on social media, where users criticised the man's reckless behaviour for endangering others in the area. It also caught the attention of the police.

Spain’s Guardia Civil police force said it is investigating the incident.

"A lot of social media users are saying he should get a fine because it could've ended badly, the boulder might've landed on an animal or hiker, and it's not funny," reports Friedman.

Watch the video making its rounds on social media: