Au Sable Scenic River Highbanks Overlook
This observation area is located in Alcona County, 100 feet above the beautiful Au Sable National Scenic River. After traversing down a short, level, gravel path, visitors will enjoy a view of the river and surrounding forest. More adventurous visitors, or fisherman, can walk down to the river using the staircase. Be it spring, summer or fall, bird-watching is an excellent activity for this area, with visitors spotting many varieties of waterfowl, along with King Fishers.
General Information
Location - Au Sable National Scenic River
Nearby Recreation Area -
- Au Sable Loop Campground
County - Alcona
- This site is not gated during the off season.
- This site is not maintained in winter:
- Access road and/or parking lot are not plowed.
May 1 - November 30
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.
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
- 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 Fee
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: 107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647
Phone: (989) 826-3252
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.619186
Longitude: -83.839157
Directions
From Grayling -
- Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles.
- Turn right and travel south on M-33 for 6 miles.
- Turn left and travel east on County Rd./Curtisville Rd. for 16.5 miles.
- Turn left and travel on Au Sable Rd. for .5 miles.
- Turn left and travel on FR 3993 for .25 miles to parking lot.
Parking
6 vehicle capacity
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking
Outdoor Science and Learning
