River Road National Scenic Byway

The twenty-two mile River Road National Scenic Byway extends westward from Lake Huron into the Huron National Forest. It parallels the historic Riviere aux Sable (River of Sand). The Au Sable River was a major transportation route for floating Michigan’s giant white pine from forest to the sawmill towns on Lake Huron. You can learn more about this lumbering history at Lumbermen’s Monument Visitor Center that sits at the center of the byway.

Byway travelers will find abundant recreation opportunities, from motorized trails for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles to quiet trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Camping, fishing and boating facilities are accessible from the byway. For a more relaxed experience, visitors will enjoy the lush forest and breathtaking vistas from the many scenic overlooks along the route. Visit www.byways.org for more information.

For information on Lumberman's Monument, Monument Campground or the Visitor Center visit the Lumberman's Monument section of the website.

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General Information

Location - Au Sable River from Alcona Dam to Lake Huron

County - Iosco

Au Sable River Primitive 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 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.