Mt Feathertop Via Northwest Spur (22km)

Northern Alpine National Park

Mt Feathertop Via Northwest Spur

This trail climbs the significantly steep and ruthless Northwest Spur of Mt Feathertop. This track climbs roughly 1100 verticle meters in 6.5km. If you desire a challenge, this trail will give you just that. Bring with you a sufficient level of fitness, ability to walk uphill continuously for long periods of time, and your favourite tunes to keep you going.

Important Details

Description

Mt Feathertop Via Northwest Spur – Tom Kneen Track is a notorious trail in the Australian hiking community. Known for its brutal, continous ascent to the MUMC Hut (located 6.5km from the trailhead), this trail will test your fitness and mental toughness. The challenge is definitely one to accept, as the rewarding views provide you with enough energy to move along this less explored side of the mountain.

This trail starts at Stoney Creek Road, where you will find the sign to the trailhead. Take care not to tread along the private property, and be sure to follow the grass footpad that skirts along the perimeter of the property – there is adequate signage to point you in the right direction. The first section of the Northwest Spur climbs along Stoney Creek, where you must cross the river twice. The second river crossing has a bridge. This lower section of the trail contains a large amount of grass and shrub that comes across the trail, but it is easy to follow.

Once past the bridge, the trail climbs straight up the Northwest Spur, first with switchbacks until you reach the crest of the spur, where you proceed to head directly up. This section can become dangerous upon descent due to the steep gradient and loose ground (rock, dirt, tree debris), take care during this section if you decide to descend via this route. You will eventually reach the MUMC Hut at an altitude of approximately 1650m.

From the hut, the trail follows the fairly narrow spur towards the western face of Mt Feathertop. Once the trail reaches the western face, it skirts underneath the summit towards the right, where there is a natural spring with fairly reliable flow during non-snow seasons. The trail will then join up with the Razorback Track, where you can head towards the summit of Mt Feathertop. From the junction of the Northwest Spur and Razorback Track, you can return to Harrietville via the Bungalow Spur, or retrace your steps.

During the winter any acscent of Mt Feathertop should be considered grade 5 in difficulty, and requires that you possess the necessary snow and ice skills to safely ascend the mountain. Do not ascend to the summit during adverse weather conditions. If the snow cover on the summit is icy and you do not have crampons and an ice axe, do not ascend. Experienced mountaineers have died on this mountain.

There are two huts along this trail – MUMC Hut which is located 6.5km from the Northwest Spur trailhead, and Federation Hut which is located 1.5km from Mt Feathertop’s summit.

Variations

This hike can be done as an overnight hike by camping at either MUMC Hut or Federation Hut. MUMC Hut is located 6.5km from the Northwest Spur trailhead, and 3km from the summit of Mt Feathertop. Federation Hut is located 1.5km from the summit of Mt Feathertop. Untreated water can be accessed at either hut. These huts are for emergency use only, and should not be camped in. Use the campgrounds respectfully and ensure you leave no trace.

Access

This hike is accessed by traveling towards Harrietville along the Great Alpine Road, Victoria. The turnoff for Stoney Creek Road is roughly 6km before Harrietville (travelling from Bright), follow signs for ‘Trout Farm’.

Water

Water can be found along this trail in a number of locations. You can collect creek water from Stoney Creek towards the bottom of the Northwest Spur. You can collect untreated spring water from the MUMC Hut. There is a natural spring located along the trail between MUMC Hut and the Razorback. There is also untreated tank water at Federation Hut, along with another natural spring located at the old Federation Hut site down the Bungalow Spur.

Trail Conditions

Trail Notes (as of 16/07/2023): The Northwest Spur has been cleared recently, and is easily navigable. The lower sections of the track have become slightly obscured by fast growing grass, which poses a problem during wet conditions due to the ascent requiring you to rub against and pass through the wet grass.

Map

Weather

For the most accurate weather Better Hiking suggests the use of Bureau of Meteorology forecasts. Please refer to the forecast linked below for this trail.

https://www.willyweather.com.au/vic/ovens--murray/mount-feathertop.html

Recommended Equipment

For Snow Season:

Please see our equipment lists for further suggestions on what to bring for day hikes, overnight hikes and more. Every person and hike is different, you should pack the right equipment for you and the trail so as you are adequately prepared.

Recommended Fitness & Skill

This trail should be attempted by hikers who have sufficient experience with Grade 4 and above trails. The trail is steep with sections of long continuous ascent, you must be capable for walking uphill for extended periods of time.

In the winter this trail should be considered very difficult and only for experienced hikers who have the relevent snow and ice skills. These skills include traversing steep snow, mixed scrambling over snow, rock and ice, use of crampons, and use of an ice axe for snow traversing. Mt Feathertop has extremely unpredicable and changeable local weather patterns and it is likely during snow season that the mountain will become obscured by cloud. You must be comfortable navigating in white out conditions, if you are not it is recommended to avoid going beyond the treeline.

During snow season a large cornice forms on the eastern side of Mt Feathertop’s summit. You need to take extra care in avoiding treading on this cornice as it has been known to break away. This cornice has killed people in the past, including Tom Kneen in 1985 (who the Northwest Spur track is named after).

For winter terrain forecasts Better Hiking recommends the use of Mountain Safety Collective.
If you feel unprepared for this trail, please make use of our training articles.

Safety

Before commencing this trail it is important to let others know of your intentions, and the route you wish to take. It is a good idea to share this trail guide with others so as they can locate you easily in the event of an emergency.
Carry with you a basic first aid kit.
Ensure you have the necessary navigation equipment and skills. Don’t always rely on GPS navigation, carry a map and compass.
Understand your physical capabilities. If you do not have the required level of fitness do not attempt this trail as you will put yourself in danger and potentially endanger others.
If attempting this trail in snow conditions, carry with you the necessary equipment. Ensure you have the required snow and ice skills to attempt this trail beyond the treeline in adverse conditions.