Au Sable River Kayaking Guide

The Au Sable River is one of Michigan's most storied paddling rivers, winding eastward from the Grayling area through the Huron National Forest to Lake Huron at Oscoda. Generations of canoeists and kayakers have floated its clear, cool water, and much of the river below Mio carries a National Wild and Scenic River designation that protects its free-flowing character. For the most part this is friendly, beginner-accessible moving water: a steady current, gravel bars, shallow riffles, midstream islands, and long gentle bends shaded by cedar, pine, and hardwoods.

What makes the Au Sable distinctive is how it changes along its course. The upper river around Grayling is narrower and livelier, a classic trout-stream paddle with quick water and overhanging cover. Downstream of Mio, the river broadens into the celebrated 23-mile National Scenic River reach ending at Alcona Pond, where the scenery opens up and the paddling becomes a relaxed multi-hour float. Farther down, a series of hydroelectric dams — including Mio Dam and the impoundments of the lower river — break the Au Sable into separate free-flowing reaches, so every trip needs to be planned between dams rather than as one continuous run.

Because the river is so popular, summer weekends bring plenty of company, especially on the upper reaches near Grayling and on the scenic Mio-to-Alcona stretch. Paddlers who launch early or visit on weekdays will find a quieter river. Water levels are generally reliable thanks to the sandy, spring-fed watershed, but always check conditions before a trip, and give anglers a wide berth — this is blue-ribbon trout water and fly fishermen are part of the river's culture.

Paddling the Au Sable

Grayling to Burton's Landing (about 8 miles)

This upper-river run is the classic Au Sable introduction. Launching around Grayling City Park and floating to Burton's Landing covers roughly 8 miles of intimate, quick-moving water through forested banks. Expect shallow spots where you may need to pick your line, a few downed trees to dodge, and excellent scenery. It is a great half-day trip for newer paddlers who are comfortable with moving water.

Conners Flat and Rainbow Bend to Mio Dam (about 23.7 miles)

The middle river from the Conners Flat and Rainbow Bend area down to Mio Dam is a longer, wilder-feeling journey of nearly 24 miles — best done as a full day or an overnighter with riverside camping. The current stays steady, the banks stay wooded, and development thins out. Plan your take-out carefully: Mio Dam is a hard stop and must be portaged or used as the end of the trip.

Mio Dam to Alcona Pond (23 miles, National Scenic River)

Below Mio Dam lies the river's crown jewel: 23 miles of federally designated Wild and Scenic River ending at Alcona Pond. This is the Au Sable at its most celebrated — broad, clear, and unhurried, with sandy banks, eagles overhead, and a true north-woods feel. It is suitable for beginners in normal flows, though its length makes it a full-day commitment or a leisurely two-day float with a riverside camp.

Hazards & Portages

The dams are the defining hazard on the Au Sable. Mio Dam and the hydroelectric dams of the lower river cannot be run — portage around them using the signed carries, and never approach a dam from upstream without knowing exactly where the take-out is. Elsewhere, the main challenges are shallow gravel bars that can ground a boat in low water, sweepers and strainers along the wooded banks, and the wakes of the occasional motorboat on the wider lower reaches. Cold spring water demands proper clothing early in the season.

Access & Parking

Public access is plentiful. Grayling City Park and Burton's Landing serve the upper river, while the Mio MDOT/DNR access (44.65982, -84.12722) is the key put-in and take-out around Mio Dam. Numerous DNR and U.S. Forest Service landings dot the scenic reach down to Alcona Pond. Most launches have parking for a dozen or more vehicles, but popular sites fill early on summer weekends — arrive before mid-morning or plan a weekday trip.

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