Au Train River Kayaking Guide

The Au Train River in Alger County is a classic Upper Peninsula beginner paddle. It winds roughly 10 miles through the Hiawatha National Forest — clear, gentle water over a sandy bottom — before emptying into Au Train Lake, which connects onward to Lake Superior. The upper river is narrow and intimate; the lower stretch opens into wetlands and the broad lake.

This is one of the UP's most recommended first floats: a slow current, sandy beaches and sandbars, and a wilderness feel with herons, turtles, beavers, and bald eagles along the banks. Local outfitters in Au Train rent kayaks and canoes and run shuttles, which makes the logistics easy.

The standard paddle is about 7 miles and takes around 3 hours at a relaxed pace, ending at the Au Train Lake public access. Ambitious paddlers can continue across the lake toward Lake Superior, though that turns the trip into exposed lake paddling.

Paddling the Au Train River

Upper river — Forest Road 2296 toward M-28

The upper Au Train is the wilder half: a narrower, meandering channel through Hiawatha National Forest with an intimate, remote feel. The Forest Road 2296 area near the river's upper reaches is a popular put-in for longer trips, reached by well-maintained dirt roads. Expect a slow, meandering current, occasional sandbars, and the river's best wildlife viewing.

M-28 Bridge to Au Train Lake (about 7 miles, ~3 hours)

This is the classic Au Train float and the stretch most visitors paddle. Launch near the M-28 bridge and drift downstream through clear, shallow water to the Au Train Lake public access — roughly 7 miles in about 3 hours. Sandy beaches invite swim stops, and riverside campsites with fire rings and picnic tables dot the banks. It is an easy, continuous paddle suitable for beginners and families.

Au Train Lake to Lake Superior (optional extension)

From the lake's public access, paddlers can continue across Au Train Lake toward its outlet at Lake Superior. This is open-water paddling exposed to wind — pick a calm morning, stay near shore, and be ready to turn back. Reaching Lake Superior's sand beaches makes a fine endpoint, but treat the big lake with full respect.

Hazards & Portages

The Au Train is forgiving, but it is not featureless. The upper river can hold strainers and sweepers in its narrower bends, and downed trees occasionally block the channel after storms. On the lower river and lake, wind is the main hazard — Au Train Lake can chop up in an afternoon breeze, and Lake Superior beyond it is cold and powerful. Give motorboats room on the lake, watch for shallow sandbars that can ground you in low water, and expect the usual UP biting insects in early summer.

Access & Parking

The M-28 bridge crossing is the common put-in and take-out for the main float, with roadside parking nearby. The Au Train Lake public access serves as the standard take-out and as the launch for the lake extension. Private liveries along the river in Au Train offer rentals and shuttle service, which simplifies one-way trips. The upper river is reached via Forest Road 2296 on Hiawatha National Forest land.

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