Location: The queen rose hiking trail is located in the mountains west of Barberton in the Nelshoogte forest reserve. It follows the Montrose and Queens Rivers and is one of the most scenic trails in South Africa. A wide variety of Game and Birds can be spotted along the trail. It is 330km from Johannesburg, between Badplaas and Barberton.
Degree of difficulty: It is an average full two days hike with well graded climbing and descending between 900 and 1400m above sea level. The total distance is 21km with 13 on the Montrose section, mostly downhill and 8km on the Queens River section, mostly uphill. Sturdy hiking boots and reasonable fitness is required. Care must be taken particularly on wet rocks and river crossings.
Climate: The altitude varies between 900m at Makesh Hut and 1400m at Queensview Hut. Come prepared for both the Lowveld heat and the Highveld chill. As this is a high rainfall area be prepared for all kinds of weather, from misty tropical Summer days to cold clear Winter nights at Queensview Hut. Frost only occurs in the valley below due to temperature inversion.
Montrose Section: (13km). The 13km route starts at the main entry gate (Queensview Hut) and winds its way through Pine Forests for 2km to the highest point in the trail. Enjoy the wonderful forest with its endless views. Smell the fresh air manufactured by the green plants. Soon one starts the descent through Indigenous Forest with a view of Alvin Falls and pool at the bottom. A rest and a swim in the crisp waters can be taken. The path then leads through lush forests on the banks of the Montrose river as it cuts its way down the Makhonjwa Mountains. The path crosses open grasslands to Patrick's picnic spot where lunch can be taken, before starting on the last section to Makesh Hut. Queensview Hut: The hut is an old foresters home, with above average facilities and a wonderful view over the Lowveld in the direction of Barberton. The hut is located in the LEAP youth education center. It is fitted with internal ablution and toilet facilities and has backup showers and toilets. Electricity, warm water, a stove and fridge. 20 people can be accommodated.
Queens River Section: (8km). The route follows the Queens River Valley upstream for 8km. After a short downhill path crosses the Queens River after skirting the local cultural settlement, it cuts back to the river which is crossed on a log bridge, then proceeds for about 2km on the left bank passing Matumi Island and a view of the Crowned Eagles nest. Cross over the low-level bridge and proceed through the riverine Matumi Forest on the right bank., climbing gradually for about an hour and you will arrive at GPS bridge. The picnic area on the far side is a good spot for lunch and a short walk downstream will bring you to a pool and slide, which you may try at your own risk. Above the picnic spot the trail joins the road for about 1km then goes left up a small ladder to a beautiful stream where you can drink the fresh water at the waterfall just before the ladder. A little further on is LEAP crossing with a suspension bridge. The next uphill takes you to a spectacular view of the cupid falls, where the Queens River falls in a series of cascades weathering away the granite base rock. The path angles around and crosses the river in midfall by means of a suspension bridge. You are now about 30 minutes from the Queensview Hut, so this is a good stopping place for a cool dip in the pool above the bridge. The trail continues through the forest up to the road and go left following a side stream up to a gate where you go right to Queensview Hut. Makesh Hut: The hut is the start of the Queens River section of the trail. It is located close to the river and is fitted with 10 double bunks, mattresses, electricity, flushing toilets with hot and cold showers. There is also a large veranda and a barbecue area with wood supplied. The hut is situated in an attractive bush environment. There is also a natural swimming pool in the Queens River about 200m away.