The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of litter removal on the characteristics of soil aggregates stability and fine root distribution so as to provide theoretical bases for vegetation restoration and ecological protection in Qinling Mountains. Results indicated that (1) the litter removal significantly decreased the percentages of >0.25 mm water-stable aggregates (WR_0.25) in 10-40 cm soil layer (P<0.05). The percentage of >0.25 mm mechanical-stable aggregates (DR_0.25) in 10-40 cm soil layer of mixed forest was also decreased significantly (P<0.05). The mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates in 0-10 cm soil layer of Betula albosinensis forest was decreased (P<0.05) by litter removal. (2) By litter removal, the fine root biomass density (FRBD) in 0-20 cm soil layer of the three forests significantly decreased by 44.18%-57.24%; the fine root volume (FRV) significantly decreased by 24.64% to 60.41%. The FRV in 0-40 cm soil layer of Betula albosinensis forest was the highest among the three forests. (3) After 3-year litter removal, the soil bulk density in 0-40 cm soil layer of Picea asperata forest significantly decreased by 5.24%-13.04%. The soil organic carbon contents in 0-40 cm soil layer of the three forests significantly decreased by 7.92%-25.21%, and the contents of total nitrogen significantly decreased by 10.17%-18.10%. (4) The results of correlation analysis showed that percentage of aggregate destruction (PAD) and unstable soil aggregate index (E_LT) of Picea asperata forest soil had significantly negative correlations (P<0.01) with FRBD, fine root length density (FRLD), and FRV. The PAD of mixed forest soil showed a significantly negative correlation (P < 0.01) with FRBD (r=-0.814). The aggregate MWD of Betula albosinensis forest soil had significantly negative correlations (P < 0.01) with FRBD, FRLD and fine specific root length (FSRL) (r=-0.777, -0.771 and -0.786). Overall, the litter removal decreased the stability of soil aggregates, the contents of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in soils of natural forests, which also inhibited the growth of fine roots.