River Road Scenic Byway
Places to Visit

• Huron National Forest (MI)

  The Forest extends across the northern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan, almost a million acres of trees and lakes, conserved and upgraded since 1945 through tree harvesting, prescribed burning, wildfire control, and wildlife habitat improvement.

• Iargo Springs Interpretive Site (MI)

  At Iargo Springs, a wooden deck juts out over a 200 foot vertical drop offering a dramatic view of Cooke Pond of the Au Sable River and 300 steps lead down to the spring area where two low level log dams create small waterfalls.

• Kiwanis Monument (MI)

  This site is dedicated to a 1930s forest replanting effort that was funded by Kiwanis Club of Michigan.

• Loud Hydroelectric Dam (MI)

  This is one of four hydroelectric dams owned by Consumers Energy adjacent to the Road. Boat access at Loud Dam Pond is sandy and primitive as this launch accesses an area of the Huron National Forest that is managed to limit motorized access to the area.

  Directions: From US-23 in Oscoda travel west on River Road 17.7 miles to M-65. Travel north .5 miles on M-65 to Loud Dam Road then west on Loud Dam Road two miles to Loud Dam.

• Lumberman's Monument (MI)

  This National Forest Visitor Center supports the impressive 14-foot bronze Lumberman's Monument which is dedicated to Michigan's logging era and has stood at this site since 1932.

• Old Orchard Park (MI)

  Old Orchard Park is a large campground which lies along Foote Pond of the Au Sable River. Open year round, it also has a public winter sports park for sledding and cross-country skiing and hosts the annual Snowbox Derby.

• Rollways Campground and Picnic Area (MI)

  High above Loud Pond of the Au Sable River sits Rollways Campground. The site is home to Rollways Picnic Shelter, one of the area's last remaining log shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's.

  Directions: From M-65 and Rollways Road turn left on Rollways Road. Proceed 0.25 miles to Picnic Area entrance road; or 0.5 miles to the campground entrance road. Both are located on the right or east side of Rollways Road.

• Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area (MI)

  Tuttle Marsh is a 5,000 acre wetland complex managed by the Huron National Forest. This healthy wetland supports several species of waterfowl, songbirds, insects, and small mammals; a birder's paradise.

  Directions: From Oscoda, take River Road west seven miles to Wells Road. Turn left on Wells Road, travel south three miles to Old US-23. Turn left on Old US-23 travel two miles to Tuttle Marsh Road (FR4548). Tuttle Marsh Road travels through the center of the marsh area.

• Westgate Welcome Center and Overlook (MI)

  Westgate Welcome Center is the gateway to River Road and along with Byway information and orientation, travelers will enjoy the panoramic views of the mighty Au Sable River from its observation decks, short hiking opportunities, picnicking, and more.

• Whirlpool River Access (MI)

  Whirlpool provides launching access for small boats and canoes on the Lower Au Sable. For those who don't want to negotiate steep banks or don't have a boat to get out onto the water an accessible boardwalk leads to a hardened fishing access area.