The Au Sable River is internationally known for its exceptional trout fishing. I think it’s the most scenic river in Michigan’s lower peninsula!
The riverbanks are lined with cedars and pines. Some of the pine trees are virgin old growth and they tower above the forest canopy.
Cold water springs are abundant along the shoreline. The current flows at a moderate to fast rate over a mostly gravel and rock bottom. The water depth is one to three feet with some deeper holes.
I teamed up with my friend Dan on this expedition and we hit the river on a warm sunny weekday in August of 2022. We contracted with Paddle Brave Camp and Canoe in Roscommon for car spotting. We also began our trip at their location. We saw less than a half dozen other paddlers while we were on the river.
This stretch of the South Branch Au Sable River is relatively easy to paddle, leaving kayakers plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The many downed trees in the river are next to shore, leaving the middle of the waterway open.
Some maneuvering is necessary from time to time. Very shallow water and large rocks can be a concern if you’re not paying attention.
The first part of the trip, from Paddle Brave to the Chase Bridge, features wooded shorelines punctuated with homes and summer cabins. There is a boat landing at the Chase Bridge.
From the Chase Bridge to the M72 Smith Bridge, the river flows through the Mason Tract.
Auto magnate George Mason purchased that tract in the 1930’s and bequeathed it to the State of Michigan upon his death in 1954.
This stretch of the river is remote and secluded. It was our favorite part of the trip.
There was only a couple signs of civilization between the Chase Bridge and the Smith Bridge. The first is a dock with a footpath up a hill to the site of the fifty four room Durant Castle. It burned down shortly after its completion in 1931 and was never occupied. There’s nothing left to see. It’s not worth a look.
Farther downstream, another dock and footpath takes Au Sable travelers to a open-air chapel on the side of a hill overlooking the river. The chapel was built in the 1960’s as a memorial to George Mason by his family.
Our adventure continued. More beautiful scenery awaited us around every bend in the river.
Homes and cabins began to appear on the riverbanks as we got close to M72. Our trip ended at the Smith Bridge, where M72 spans the river. It’s a spacious landing with ample parking and a vault toilet.
Of all the rivers in the lower peninsula, the Au Sable should be first on your bucket list!
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 