Au Sable Vista
Located just off of Bamfield Road, visitors turn into the site and drive back to the parking area and picnic tables. From the observation deck, visitors are treated to one of the most popular, and photographed, views of the Au Sable River. From the vista, visitors have views of the Au Sable River and surrounding forest, highlighted during the peak of fall color in October. Alcona Pond, one of the several impoundments along the lower stretch of the river, is visible from this site.
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General Information
Location - Au Sable River
Nearby Recreation Areas -
- 4001 Bridge Canoe Landing
County - Alcona
Seasonal and Other Information -
- This site is not gated during the off season.
- This site is not maintained in the winter:
- Access road and/or parking lot are not plowed.
- No toilet facilities are available.
April 15 - November 30
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.
Camping -
- No permit or reservation is required outside of the permitted season.
- Camping Permit required at primitive campsites from May 15 to September 10.
Special Use Permit -
- No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
- Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).
Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders -
- Au Sable National Scenic River Corridor; R904-14-18
- Au Sable River and Cooke Pond Semi-primitive Motorized Areas, shorelines of Alcona Pond and the Eable Run Trail System; R904-14-21
- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
- Occupancy and Use; R904-14-03
Highlights - Camping is prohibited, except at designated campgrounds or campsites.
No Fees are required for this site.
Canoe Rentals -
- Glennie:
- Alcona Canoe Rental
- Hale:
- Rollways Resort
- Mio:
- Gotts Landing
- Hinchman's Acres Resort
- Oscoda:
- Au Sable River Kayaking Company LLC; B & B LLC (Hunts)
- Oscoda Canoe Rental
Address: 5761 N. Skeel Road Oscoda, MI 48750
Phone: (989) 739-0728
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.5625
Longitude: -83.78222222
Directions
From Oscoda -
- Travel north on F41 for 14 miles.
- Turn left and travel west on F30 for 16.5 miles.
- Turn right and travel north on Bamfield Rd. for 3 miles.
- Turn left on FR 4949 to enter the overlook.
Parking
10 vehicle capacity
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
