While this hike is short (two hour round trip at a steady walking pace), it is tough. The weather can get very hot and there is little shelter on the trail. You will need solid hiking shoes, hands free to clamber over boulders and the plant life around the trail backs up my claim "Of the 40 species of plants on St. Maarten.....41 have spikes or thorns."
I recommend you bring suntan lotion, lots of water and make it a morning hike as things can heat up a great deal over the afternoon.
However....during the hike and almost at the top you will get a FANTASTIC panoramic view encompassing all of Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, Maho (including the airport) and on the other side all of Philipsburg and the surrounding area. This hike will show you more of the Dutch side than any other point on the island. Trust me....it's worth the work.
To reach the start of the trail you need to take the 'shortcut' road over the hill. You must approach from the Philipsburg/Bush Road side as it is oneway. Park on the side of the road at the very top of the hill and the trailhead is directly across the street from a house on the hill.
For spoiler pictures click here (1) and here (2)!