CINNAMON BAY TRAIL Claimed

The Cinnamon Bay Trail is quite popular offering panoramic views of Maho and Francis Bays, as well as the BVI.  You have two trail entrance choices:  start from the top along Centerline Road at mile marker 4, or start from the bottom across the road from the entrance to Cinnamon Bay Beach.   This trail follows an old Danish plantation road to the historical ruins at the American Hill Great House, a .4 mile spur off of the main trail.  Blanketing the ruins, the Coral Vines’ beautiful pink flowers are buzzing with bees.  There is a “dangerous structure” sign.  No surprise why island visitors would want to stay here in the 18th century.  Amazing picturesque views can be seen from the ruins and is definitely worth the hike.

If you park at Cinnamon Bay Beach, you can view the sugar mill ruins along the road before heading up the hill.  Starting off in the morning ensures a very shady hike will be had which is so welcome as this uphill climb has very few switchbacks.  It’s a 2.2 mile hike up and back.  New wooden framed stairs at entrance have been built, making the first steep jaunt up the hill a little easier.  The American Hill ruins spur is .2 miles up the hill.  Beautiful stone stairways along the way have been created with the rocks in all their magnificence.  The trail is well managed, although you do walk along a ridge line sometimes, so be careful and stay away from the edge.

From Centerline Road, this is an awesome hike for sightseeing fun as you will only have a downhill journey with spectacular views of the North Shore and the British Virgin Islands.  With Cinnamon Bay Beach waiting for you, this hike can be so much fun for the family.  Pack a lunch and enjoy some beach time!  Afterwards, hike back up to Centerline Road, or take a taxi back into town.

LENGTH:  2.2 MILE CIRCUIT

TIME:  APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR