Arm River/Maggs Spur Access to Pelion Hut

[TimG1]

My first request on this Forum. Planning a three day trip into Pelion Hut from the Arm River area to climb Ossa during my son's Uni break late June early July weather permitting. Have read some information on the alternative track to the Arm River starting from Maggs Spur and was interested in any current information on this track Completed the Overland last November but strong winds and misty weather curtailed the planned Ossa climb. Did get to the climb The Acropolis so all was not lost

Any information would be appreciated.

Cheers Tim

[Miyata610]

What would you like to know?

I prefer the Arm River track. It's shorter. I think it's prettier too, but others disagree.

Both tracks are easy to find and follow.

I last did Maggs track a couple of months ago, and arm river track a couple of weeks ago.

[TimG1]

Thanks Phil

Was told the Maggs Spur track was an easier option but it does look to be a longer option. Your comments suggest not much in it between either track.

[Miyata610]

Also....

Maggs passes through some delicate areas and is also more narrow and restrictive in parts. If you're carrying a large load, as I often do on this route, use the arm river track.

[Miyata610]

Thanks Phil

Was told the Maggs Spur track was an easier option but it does look to be a longer option. Your comments suggest not much in it between either track.

Yes it starts higher up. So avoids that very short but steep climb near the start of the arm river track. It only takes 15 mins to get past the worst of it. Not really worth trying to avoid.

[Tortoise]

Glad you've started asking questions, It took me a while to start, but it's been brilliant.

I had a week around Pelion last winter, via Maggs Spur - lovely route, and much gentler climb, but i agree it was a bit of a nuisance having a big pack. It's an extra handy track if climbing Pillinger on the way in or out (which i highly recommend - amphitheatre view of the Overland Track, Ducane Range etc, not sure why i hear so little about it)
You can certainly do Pillinger from the ART - just a bit scrubby in places.

Went in by Arm River Track for a week this year - the track's reputation had put me off, but even for tortoises (take an average walking time and maybe double it), it really wasn't a big deal.

If it's any consolation, I finally got to climb Ossa this year, after 6 times at Pelion Gap in sleet/snow/blizzard/invisible mountain conditions. Still have to go back for the view south. Well worth the effort, though.
Our winter attempt was thwarted by ice - no hand/footholds on a bit of a rock scramble, just slick ice about 3 cms thick, that wasn't going to work. But we did get awesome views from near the top of Pelion East - magic stuff.

Not sure if you're planning on Oakleigh, but i suggest you go for it if you have time. it seems to be clear more often than Ossa, and being a shorter walk, you can start later if the weather improves. I did wonder why people bothered with the mud - until i went myself. It's watery mud (at least where i went in up to my waist...) rather than boot-sucking mud, and it's one of the best views I've seen.

Have fun!!

[Phil]

I walked in and out Maggs Spur on the weekend up to Pelion hut; we also wandered up Oakleigh. I've also done the ART twice (most recent was 2 years ago).

Personally, if I was in a hurry and wanted to get through to Pelion quickly I'd take the ART (last time I went up the ART I was trail running so it was far more suitable than Maggs). Last weekend though we were in no hurry and I personally thoroughly enjoyed Maggs spur. There was some REALLY beautiful sections of Myrtle Forest, creeks/small waterfall, pockets of Pencil Pine, cushion plants and some lovely little open plains. It was nice to skip the climb that the ART has; and as previously mentioned, it goes straight past the short walk up to Pillinger.

In my opinion, it was the most enjoyable section of the walk (by far) to get through to Pelion and I would not hesitate going that way again in the future. For me, the journey is part of the experience; not just the destination.

We got to Pelion Hut at around 1:30 and then left to go up Oakleigh at 2pm Didn't wander right out to the chimneys but did get up on the top for some magical views; back to the hut around 4:30ish. There's some pretty muddy sections across the plains and as you start to get into the forest at the base of Oakleigh which adds to the fun, one of my mates took a step into a bog and was mid-thigh before he hit the bottom

To get to the Maggs track drive about 1km past the ART turn off to Maggs Spur 17. About 500m in take a turn to the right, then another right turn about 1.5km after that.......then through to the end of the road which is where the track starts.

Cheers

Phil