The PRC01 TER - Black Mysteries is a pedestrian route located in the natural reserve of Serra de Santa Bárbara and Mistérios Negros, in the Terceira Natural Park, in the Azores. This circular route begins near the Negro Lagoon and the support house of Gruta do Natal. During the course, hikers pass through a variety of endemic vegetation, such as Heather, Cedar-of-the-woods, Bilberry, and native Tamujo. The route includes passing through three small lagoons known as Lagoinhas do Vale Fundo, one of them being an important site for migratory birds. Along the way, it is possible to observe the black trachytic domes resulting from the volcanic eruption of 1761. At the highest point of the route, hikers have a panoramic view that includes Pico Gordo and the central massif of the island. The route ends at Gruta do Natal, a lava tube with a length of 697 meters.
Type: Short-Distance Path Loop
Distance: 4.9
Difficulty: Difficult (level 4)
GPS Coordinates: 38°44'13.7"N 27°16'09.8"W