Skip to main content
Illustration

Michigan

When to catch Au Sable Riverat its best

Au Sable River through the year: chittenden pollinator gardens (usually: July and August) and fall foliage (local timing: October). Each has its own page with spots, sources and the latest reports.

About Au Sable River

What it is
A national forest in Michigan
A little history
Down 242 steps to the river, where the loggers' floating mess hall sits.
What you'll see
Chittenden pollinator gardens · usual peak July and AugustFall foliage · October
Before you go
Warbler nesting areas closed
Sources (2)

RIGHT NOW · OCT 1

  • Latest reportNo dated report this season; the posters below show each usual window.
  • This weekend (NWS)Sat sunny, 60°F · Sun partly sunny, 65°F
  • Park alertsCheck the managing agency before you go

When are you going?

Fall at Au Sable River

Next peak here after fall

USUAL PEAK · CHITTENDEN POLLINATOR GARDENSAu Sable RiverChittenden pollinator gardensNational forestJuly and AugustUSDA Forest Service ↗
Remind me →

Where to go at Au Sable River

Spots, visitor points and places nearby
  • Fall

Visitor points on this map: Grass Lake Road ORV Snowmobile Trailhead (1.5 mi) · Eagle Run Cross-country Ski Trailhead (1.8 mi) · Whirlpool Access (3.1 mi) · Foote Pond Overlook (9.4 mi) · River Road Horse Trail Camp (10.4 mi) · River Road ORV Trailhead (12.7 mi) · Monument Road Snowmobile Trailhead (13.2 mi) · Monument Campground (14.3 mi)

Places on this map, as a list
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census. Outside the map: Shiawassee Refuge.

Best spots

Where each event's source says to go
  • Chittenden Pollinator GardensGood for chittenden pollinator gardensFlowerbeds by the Conifers conference building, each plant labeled with its common and scientific nameUSDA Forest Service ↗
  • Loda Lake National Wildflower SanctuaryGood for chittenden pollinator gardensA small spring-fed lake with a bog-like wetland, a creek and marshes, oak forest, pine plantations and an old farm siteUSDA Forest Service ↗
  • Au Sable VistaGood for fall foliageDeck over the Au Sable River and Alcona PondUS Forest Service ↗
  • Westgate Scenic OverlookGood for fall foliageRiver views and fall color; short walk to RollwaysUS Forest Service ↗
  • Lumberman's MonumentGood for fall foliageNature trail to a dune deck; fall color in autumnUS Forest Service ↗
  • River Road Scenic BywayGood for fall foliage22 miles west from Lake Huron along the Au SableUS Forest Service ↗

Next 7 days at Au Sable River

Forecast: National Weather Service
  • TodayRain Showers67° / 49°93% rain
  • FriMostly Sunny63° / 42°2% rain
  • SatSunny60° / 45°4% rain
  • SunPartly Sunny65° / 42°9% rain
  • MonSunny58° / 37°1% rain
  • TueSunny58° / 44°3% rain
  • WedMostly Sunny63° / 46°13% rain

Today: sunrise 7:32 a.m., sunset 7:16 p.m., light until 7:45 p.m. · moon waning gibbous, 67% lit (our calculation)

Worth the drive, and when they peak

Straight-line miles; roads are longer

Towns nearby

Straight-line miles; each town page has frost dates and its nature year

Au Sable River in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Au Sable Wild and Scenic River in Huron-Manistee National Forests
Au Sable Wild and Scenic River in Huron-Manistee National Forests. Photo: usfs_Eastern_Region · public domain · resized

Questions people ask

Can I see Kirtland's warblers?

Guided tours run May 15 to 31 with reservations. Breeding areas are closed May 1 to July 15, but you can look from the roadsides.Source: US Forest Service, Kirtland's warbler tours ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How do I reach the wanigan at Lumberman's Monument?

Down 242 steps to the river, where the loggers' floating mess hall sits.Source: US Forest Service, Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How long is the Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour?

58 miles, self-guided by car, through jack pine country.Source: US Forest Service, Kirtland's warbler tours ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages; checked Sep 30