Join the West Michigan Kayaking Club October 23-25 for a three-day Northern Michigan adventure combining one of the region’s most scenic wilderness hikes with a classic Au Sable River paddle.
This weekend expedition takes us deep into the heart of Au Sable country—hiking the historic Mason Tract Pathway, camping along the river, and paddling two beautiful stretches of the legendary Au Sable River.
From forest trails to crystal-clear water, this adventure showcases the very best of Northern Michigan’s wilderness.
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🏕️ Day 1 — Friday Evening Base Camp
We’ll meet Friday evening and establish camp at:
📍 Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground
Grayling, MI 49738
GPS:
44°36’23.19”N
84°28’08.29”W
This will be our home base for the weekend as we prepare for two unforgettable days exploring one of Michigan’s most iconic river corridors.
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🥾🚣 Day 2 — Mason Tract Pathway Hike & River Paddle
We’ll begin the morning by dropping our kayaks at Chase Bridge, then shuttle back to the Mason Tract Pathway trailhead.
🚣 Boat Drop (Chase Bridge):
GPS:
44°32’25.17”N
84°33’03.64”W
From there we’ll hike north through the beautiful Mason Tract before reaching our boats and launching for a relaxing downstream paddle back toward camp.
🥾 Trailhead:
GPS:
44°37’04.93”N
84°28’17.75”W
The Mason Tract Pathway winds through towering hardwood forests alongside one of Michigan’s most beautiful rivers. Expect quiet wilderness, scenic overlooks, wildlife, and an unforgettable combination of hiking and paddling in a single day.
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🚣 Day 3 — Main Branch Au Sable River Kayaking Adventure
Distance: Approximately 15 river miles
River: Main Branch Au Sable River
Difficulty: Intermediate moving-water paddle
Launch points for day 3 will be updated
After an incredible weekend of camping and hiking, we’ll launch for a full day on one of Michigan’s premier paddling rivers.
Expect:
🌲 Forest-lined riverbanks
💧 Crystal-clear water
🦌 Excellent opportunities to spot wildlife
🚣 Steady current with relaxing miles of paddling
📸 Incredible scenery and photo opportunities
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🌊 Adventure Overview
Friday
• 🏕️ Arrive and establish base camp at Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground.
Saturday
• 🚣 Drop boats at Chase Bridge.
• 🥾 Hike the scenic Mason Tract Pathway.
• 🚣 Paddle back to camp on the Au Sable River.
Sunday
• 🚣 Paddle approximately 15 miles on the main branch of the Au Sable River.
• 🌲 Finish an unforgettable weekend of hiking, camping, and kayaking in the heart of Northern Michigan.
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🌲 Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
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