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Kirtland's Warbler and Jack Pine Wildlife Tours

Self-Guided Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour

The Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour is a self-guided, 58-mile auto-tour through jack pine ecosystems that are home to a variety of wildlife. The tour is marked with signs that display an image of the Kirtland's warbler and the watchable wildlife symbol.

Along the route there are many examples of wildlife habitat. Interpretive signs discuss specific management methods at each of the five stops. Occupied Kirtland's warbler habitat is closed to public entry during nesting seasons to protect the birds. Closed areas will be posted with signs. Currently favorable viewing opportunities for Kirtland's warbler along this driving route are non-existent. If you are looking for the Kirtland's warbler, consider attending a guided tour by reserving a space online, visit the Mio or Huron Shores Ranger Stations for maps, or email for more information.

Guided Kirtland's Warbler Tours

Forest Service Guided Tours: Guided Tours are conducted rain or shine. Starting with a short presentation at the Mio Ranger Station, participants will caravan out to the tour site on the Mio district. Reservations are required and can be booked through Recreation.gov. If you have any questions regarding the tour, you may call 989-826-3252 or email sm.fs.miokwtours@usda.gov in advance of your trip.

Dates: May 15th - 31st, including weekends and Memorial Day

Times: 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Fees: $10, payable upon reservation

For More Information: Contact the Mio Ranger Station or email sm.fs.miokwtours@usda.gov

Please note: Kirtland's warbler breeding areas are closed to entry between May 1 to July 15, during their annual breeding season) due to this ground-nesting bird’s sensitivity to disturbance. However, forest visitors are welcome to “bird” for Kirtland's warblers from the roadsides. If further assistance is needed locating current Kirtland's warbler habitats, the Mio Ranger District office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Find Out More

Learn more about the Kirtland's Warbler

Enter our Kirtland's Warbler Young Artists Contest

Like our Facebook page to stay up to date on KW activities

General Information

Location - Kirtland's Warbler Habitat

Nearby Recreation Areas -

Au Sable River

County - Oscoda, Alcona

Seasonal and Other Information -

These sites are not gated during the off season.
These sites are not maintained in the off season:
- Access roads and/or parking lots are not plowed.

May 1 - October 31

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. However, larger groups are encouraged to speak with the Mio Ranger District to schedule a guided tour.

Forest-wide Closures - Kirtland's Warbler Habitat -

Kirtland's Warbler habitat is closed to public entry during the nesting season. Contact the Mio Ranger District prior to taking the self-guided tour for more information.

Au Sable River Corridor - Camping -

Camping is prohibited in the AuSable National Scenic River Corridor on the Huron-Manistee National Forests, except at designated campgrounds or campsites.
Using a designated campsite or other area described in the order by more than 10 persons at one time is prohibited.

$10 (please call 989-826-3252 or email sm.fs.miokwtours@usda.gov to register for a tour)

A Forest Service office with wood and rock siding.

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: 44.65872

Longitude: -84.575004

Directions

Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour Directions:

Au Sable River Loop Overlook > O’Brien Lake > Au Sable Valley Scenic Vista > Snags
- Au Sable River Loop Overlook:
  - From Grayling, travel east on M-72 for 30 miles.
  - Turn left and travel north on M-72/M-33 (Morenci Ave.) for 0.5 miles.
  - Turn right and travel east on McKinley Road (F-32/CO RD 600) for 2.4 miles.
  - The Au Sable River Loop Overlook parking lot will be on the right.
  - Amenities: Parking
- O’Brien Lake:
  - Turn right out of the Au Sable River Loop Overlook parking lot and travel east on McKinley Road (F-32/CO RD 600) for 8.2 miles.
  - Turn right on E. River Dr. and take an immediate left on to Reed Road/FR 4061 for 1.3 miles.
  - Continue traveling on O’Brien Lake Road/FR 4061 until the road ends at the O’Brien Lake parking lot.
  - Amenities: Parking (10 vehicle capacity)
- Au Sable Valley Scenic Vista:
  - Leave the O’Brien parking lot and travel west on FR 4061 for 0.2 miles.
  - Continue onto Reed Road/FR 4061 for 1.3 miles.
  - Turn right onto E. River Dr.
  - Take a right at the stop sign and travel east on McKinley Road (F-32/CO RD 600) for 5.8 miles.
  - Turn right at the stop sign and travel southeast on Au Sable Road for 6.6 miles.
  - Continue straight across Bamfield Road and you will arrive at the Au Sable Valley Scenic Vista parking lot.
  - Amenities: Parking and restroom
- Snags:
  - Leave the Au Sable Valley Scenic Vista parking lot and travel straight across Bamfield Road.
  - Continue traveling northeast on Au Sable Road for 4.4 miles.
  - Turn left and travel southwest on Au Sable River Road (Fed Rte. 4001) for 8.5 miles.
  - Turn right onto FR 4800 to enter the Snags site.
  - Amenities: None
Snags > Au Sable Valley Scenic Vista > O’Brien Lake > Au Sable River Loop Overlook
- Snags:
  - From Grayling, travel east on M-72 for 30 miles.
  - Turn right and travel south on M-33 (S Mt. Tom Road) for 6.0 miles.
  - Turn left and travel east on Curtisville Road (CO RD 604) for 7.6 miles.
  - Turn left on FR 4800 to enter the Snags site.
- Au Sable Valley Scenic Vista:
  - Turn left out of the Snags site and travel east on Curtisville Road (CO RD 604) for 8.5 miles.
  - At the stop sign turn right and travel southeast on Au Sable Road for 4.4 miles.
  - At the stop sign continue south across Bamfield Road to arrive at the Au Sable Valley Scenic Vista parking lot.
- O’Brien Lake:
  - Leave the Au Sable Valley Scenic Vista parking lot and travel north across Bamfield Road.
  - Continue traveling on Au Sable Road for 6.7 miles.
  - Turn left and travel on McKinley Road (F-32/CO RD 600) for 5.9 miles.
  - Turn left on E. River Dr. and take an immediate left on to Reed Road/FR 4061 for 1.3 miles.
  - Continue traveling on O’Brien Lake Road/FR 4061 until the road ends at the O’Brien Lake parking lot.
- Au Sable River Loop Overlook:
  - Travel west on O’Brien Lake Road/FR 4061 for 0.2 miles.
  - Continue traveling on Reed Road/FR 4061 for 1.3 miles.
  - Turn right on E. River Dr. and then an immediate left on to McKinley Road (F-32/CO RD 600) for 8.2 miles.
  - Turn left into the Au Sable River Loop parking lot.