Quick Navigation
- Au Sable River at a Glance
- Kayak or Canoe: Which Is Right for Your Trip?
- The Best Paddling Segments on the Au Sable River
- Where to Put In and Who Rents Gear
- When to Paddle the Au Sable River
- Where to Stay Near the Au Sable River
- Book Your River Retreat
- Au Sable River Kayaking: Your Questions Answered
- Can you kayak the Au Sable River?
- How long does it take to canoe the Au Sable River?
- Do I need a permit to kayak in Michigan?
- Where does the Au Sable River start?
- Can you swim in the Au Sable River?
- What is the best time of year to paddle the Au Sable River?
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Au Sable River kayaking is the kind of trip that stays with you long after you get home. The river runs approximately 138 miles from its spring-fed headwaters northwest of Grayling east to Lake Huron at Oscoda, cutting through state forest, cedar swamps, and stretches of wilderness quiet enough that the only sounds are the paddle drip and the current. It is one of the most celebrated paddling rivers in the Midwest, and for good reason. This guide covers the best segments, how to choose between a kayak and a canoe, where to rent gear, and how to time your visit for the right water and the right crowds.
If fly-fishing is also on your agenda, our Au Sable River fishing guide covers the trout seasons and the fly-only stretches in detail — the two activities pair naturally on a multi-day river trip.
Au Sable River at a Glance
| Quick Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main stem length | Approximately 138 miles |
| Headwaters | Near Grayling, Crawford County |
| Mouth | Lake Huron, Oscoda, Michigan |
| Designation | National Wild and Scenic River (23-mile reach from Mio Pond to Alcona Pond) |
| Float season | May through October; peak June–August |
| Permit required? | No — non-motorized craft paddle free |
| Current character | Gentle to moderate; upper sections are beginner-friendly |
Kayak or Canoe: Which Is Right for Your Trip?
Both work beautifully on the Au Sable, and most outfitters near Grayling rent either. Your call comes down to group size, gear load, and how much control you want over the boat.
Choose a canoe if you are paddling with kids, hauling camping gear for an overnight, or going with a partner where one of you mostly wants to enjoy the scenery. Canoes carry far more gear and are far easier to climb in and out of at a sandbar. They are also more forgiving when you collide with an overhanging branch — which on a wooded river like the Au Sable, you will.
Choose a kayak if you want more control, prefer solo paddling, or plan to cover ground quickly. Sit-in kayaks keep you drier on cool spring mornings; sit-on-tops are easier to exit if you tip. On the upper river, either style handles the gentle current well.
First-time paddlers often find canoes more comfortable on a river this calm. If you are genuinely unsure, ask your outfitter — they have matched thousands of visitors to the right boat and won't steer you wrong.
The Best Paddling Segments on the Au Sable River
The river divides naturally into three zones, each with a different character and crowd level:
| Segment | Approx. Distance | Float Time | Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper River — Grayling area | 4–12 miles per float | 2–5 hours | Clear, gentle, sandy bottom, cedar-lined banks | Families, beginners, day trips |
| Middle River — Mio area | Varies | Half-day to full day | Wider, more remote, mild riffles and wooded shores | Intermediate paddlers, overnight campers |
| Lower River — Oscoda area | Varies | Half-day to multi-day | Slower, wider, wilder — approaches Lake Huron | Experienced paddlers, remote overnight trips |
The upper river near Grayling is where most first-time visitors start. Access points are well-organized, outfitters are easy to find, and the current is forgiving. Popular put-ins in this stretch include Burton Landing and Canoe Harbor — your outfitter will match the launch to your time and fitness level. The middle sections near Mio offer more solitude and slightly more technical water without being intimidating. The lower river, from Mio toward Oscoda, is the most remote and best suited to paddlers who are comfortable being self-sufficient for a day or more.
Where to Put In and Who Rents Gear
Grayling is the main hub for Au Sable outfitters. Long-established liveries such as Borchers Canoe & Kayak and Carlisle Canoe Livery have been matching paddlers to the right section of river for generations. Most offer canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service — you park at the takeout, ride the shuttle to the launch, float downstream, and your car is waiting at the end. This is the standard setup and removes all the logistics of a one-way float.
When you book with a livery, confirm a few things upfront:
- Shuttle included? Almost always yes with a rental — but clarify if you bring your own boat.
- Life jackets provided? Required by Michigan law for every person on board; most rentals include one per paddler.
- Reservations needed? On summer weekends, popular liveries book up. Reserve a week or two ahead in July and August.
- Dry bags available? Ask — some outfitters include waterproof storage for phones and snacks, others charge extra.
Grayling sits about 50 miles south of Traverse City and roughly two hours north of Lansing, making it a logical overnight base for a longer river trip. More outdoor adventures in Northern Michigan are a short drive from here in any direction.
When to Paddle the Au Sable River
| Month | Water Conditions | Crowd Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | High and fast from snowmelt; cold (upper 40s–50s°F) | Low | Experienced paddlers only; wetsuit or drysuit strongly recommended |
| June | Good flow, water warming; water mid-50s–low 60s°F | Moderate | Excellent month — good levels, wildflowers, fewer crowds than July |
| July–August | Low to moderate flow; warmest water (low-to-mid 60s°F) | High | Peak season; marathon is late July; upper river busy on weekends |
| September | Lower flow, clear water, crisp air | Low | Arguably the best month — quiet, gorgeous color beginning mid-month |
| October | Cold water, full fall color mid-month | Very low | Outfitters reduce hours or close — call ahead before booking |
Where to Stay Near the Au Sable River
The river's eastern end drops you into Oscoda on Lake Huron's Sunrise Coast — a natural base for paddling the lower river or tacking on a beach day before heading home. Browse Oscoda riverside cabins for waterfront and wooded stays within easy reach of the takeout, or base in Grayling if you're working a multi-day float downstream.
Book Your River Retreat
Find a cabin or cottage within easy reach of the Au Sable's launch points and takeouts.
View Oscoda CabinsAu Sable River Kayaking: Your Questions Answered
Can you kayak the Au Sable River?
Yes. The Au Sable is one of the most paddler-friendly rivers in Michigan. The upper sections near Grayling are calm enough for beginners, and several outfitters offer kayak rentals with shuttle service so you don't need your own boat or car logistics.
How long does it take to canoe the Au Sable River?
A typical day float on the upper river covers 4–10 miles in roughly 2 to 5 hours. A full run from Grayling to Oscoda spans about 120 miles; most paddlers allow 5 to 7 days for a comfortable multi-day expedition with camping along the way.
Do I need a permit to kayak in Michigan?
No permit is required to paddle a kayak or canoe on Michigan's rivers in a non-motorized craft. Michigan law does require a wearable, US Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board. Children under 6 must wear one at all times while on the water.
Where does the Au Sable River start?
The main stem of the Au Sable River rises from spring-fed headwaters near Grayling in Crawford County, Michigan. It flows east approximately 138 miles through state and national forest before emptying into Lake Huron at Oscoda.
Can you swim in the Au Sable River?
Yes. The Au Sable's sandy sandbars are popular wading and dipping spots, especially in July and August when water temperatures approach the mid-60s°F in the upper river. Avoid swimming in the lower, wider sections where motorboat traffic increases near Oscoda.
What is the best time of year to paddle the Au Sable River?
June and September offer the best balance of good water levels, comfortable temperatures, and lighter crowds. July and August are warmest but the upper river is busy on summer weekends. October brings spectacular fall color but outfitter availability drops — always call ahead.
Sources: Michigan Department of Natural Resources; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Au Sable Wild & Scenic River; AuSable River Canoe Marathon
