The stratovolcano rises to a height of 985 metres (3,232 ft) and is the highest point on the island.

During the height of the island's exploitation, when every available scrap of arable land was under sugar cane, the mountain, which occupies a large part of the island's interior, was never really changed in any way and therefore most of the original flora and fauna is still intact.

Hikers need to be quite physically fit to complete this route, and for safety's sake, it is necessary to go with a qualified guide.

On days when the peak is completely free of clouds, there are remarkable views from the top of the mountain, not only of Nevis itself, but also out over the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the many surrounding islands of the Leeward Island chain.

The fauna of the mountain includes birds such as the red-necked pigeon and the bridled quail-dove, as well as many troops of the African green vervet monkey, which was introduced in the historical past and has become naturalized.