Length & Duration: 5.4 km | 2.5–3 hours | Moderate

Overview:
If you only have time for one hike on Terceira, make it this one. Mistérios Negros is an unforgettable trail that plunges you into the island’s wild, prehistoric-looking interior. The path winds through dense volcanic forest, past crater lakes, and across bizarre lava domes formed during one of the island’s last eruptions. It’s a journey into the untouched, humid heart of Terceira.

Why Hike It:

• Walk through one of the Azores’ most dramatic volcanic zones

• Explore the native Laurisilva forest with moss-draped trees and rich biodiversity

• Witness otherworldly rock formations and misty crater clearings

• Feel like you’ve stepped into a Jurassic jungle — especially on foggy days

What You’ll See:

• Sections of native Azorean forest with lush greenery and twisted trees

• Mysterious volcanic domes covered in thick moss

• A crater lake (Lagoinhas) surrounded by silence and mist

• Long wooden walkways cutting through wetland and ancient lava fields

• Vistas of Pico Gaspar and the Serra de Santa Bárbara reserve

Difficulty:

• Rated moderate to hard due to muddy paths, uneven terrain, and elevation changes

• Not suitable for children or those with limited mobility

Trailhead Access:

• Begins near Lagoa do Negro, not far from Gruta do Natal

• Easily accessible by car with parking available nearby

Pro Tips:

• Wear waterproof hiking boots — the trail is often wet, even in summer

• Try to go on a dry day with light cloud cover — mist adds atmosphere, but rain makes it slippery

• Combine this trail with a visit to Gruta do Natal, a lava tunnel with 697 meters, located just across the road

Final Thought: This isn’t a hike for views over the ocean — it’s a journey into the depths of Terceira’s volcanic soul. If you want to feel like the island is whispering its ancient secrets, hike Mistérios Negros.

Useful links:

For more details about the trail, visit the official Visit Azores website. You can download the GPS track here(I use the Wikiloc app to open and navigate GPX files) and explore a detailed brochure with a hiking map here.

You can also follow my track using this link