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River Road Scenic Byway

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Basics
Length:
216.1 miles (347 km)
Time:
Allow at three hours to drive the byway.
Fees:
Only for the attractions along the way.

Description

Part of the Great River Road, Hwy. 65 follows the MississippiRiver through countryside that offers sights typical ofLouisiana's Delta region-from past to present. The routestarts in an area highly developed by the petroleum and chemicalindustries that play such a large role in modern Louisiana'seconomy. As the road follows the Mississippi River downstream, itencounters examples of river commerce, such as shipyards and thelock at Plaquemine, which can be viewed from the lockhouse museumand observation tower. The road passes through a few small towns-remnants of a once-thriving area along the Mississippi River.Except for the river levees, the sparsely wooded terrain is flat.The visitor also can appreciate the historic quality ofLouisiana's rural communities and the hustle-and-bustle ofcities such as New Orleans.

Tourism Resources

Points of Interest

Points of Interest Along The Way

Au Sable River Queen (MI)

The Au Sable River Queen is a top attraction and the only paddlewheel river boat operating in northern Michigan. Two-hour excursions offer a view of wildlife and beautiful scenery and you can relax as the captain narrates this area's colorful history. It is a popular fall color destination, requiring reservations for weekend trips. The Au Sable River Queen is accessible with a heated lower deck, snack bar, and onboard restroom facilities. It accommodates tour bus groups and can be reserved for wedding receptions or other special occasions.

Canoer's Memorial (MI)

Canoe Race Monument, dedicated as a tribute to the late JerryCurley who lost his life practicing for the Au Sable River CanoeMarathon, honors all marathon canoe racers.

Cooke Hydroelectric Dam (MI)

Cooke Hydroelectric Dam was the first of six dams constructed onthe Au Sable River. It was placed on the National Register ofHistoric Places in 1996. It operates much as it did during itsfirst year of operation in 1912, and the overall appearance of theplant is relatively unchanged. Cooke Dam is one of fourhydroelectric dams owned by Consumers Energy adjacent to RiverRoad. This public fishing pier on Cooke Pond provides an easilyaccessible area to anyone wishing to dangle a hook in the water.It's also an inviting place to sit and enjoy the water or view theoperation of Cooke Dam. Boat access to Cooke Pond is alsoavailable.

Directions

From US-23 in Oscoda travel west on River Road 14 miles to Cooke Dam Road, travel north on Cooke Dam Road three miles to Cooke Dam.

Eagle Run Trail System (MI)

Eagle Run is seven miles of loop trails for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing located in a quiet setting following the shoreline of the Au Sable River. This area is one of the finest spring wildflower walks and a great area for bird-watching enthusiasts. It is the only trail system in this section of the national forest open to mountain biking.

Five Channels Hydroelectric Dam (MI)

Five Channels Hydroelectric Dam is one of four hydroelectric dams owned by Consumers Energy and is adjacent to River Road. The dam creates a small impoundment which has enhanced fishing, sailing, and boating along the Au Sable River. Recreation facilities include boat access to Five Channels Pond and a tailwater fishing site below the dam.

Directions

From US-23 on Oscoda travel west on River Road 17.7 miles to M-65. Travel one mile north on M-65 to Five Channels Dam entrance on west side of M-65.

Foote Hydroelectric Dam (MI)

One of four hydroelectric dams owned by Consumers Energy and adjacent to River Road, Foote Dam is operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in partnership with Consumers Energy. The dam creates a large impoundment which has significantly added to the recreational use of the Au Sable River. Spring steelhead fishing is particularly popular here and recreation facilities at Foote Dam include boat access to the pond and an accessible fishing access.

Directions

From US-23 in Oscoda, travel west on River Road 5.7 miles to Rea Road. Travel north on River Road 0.2 miles to the entrance of Foote Dam.

Foote Pond Overlook (MI)

At the top of a steep sand bluff known locally as Champagne Hill for its champagne glass shape, the Foote Pond Overlook offers travelers excellent opportunities to photograph bald eagles and panoramic river scenery. This is a fall color hot spot. Hiking the steep slope and picnicking on the dune are favorite summer activities. Interpretive signs display the natural history of the bald eagle, identification tips, and how the Forest Service protects the habitat.

Footesite Park (MI)

As the only public swimming beach along River Road, Footesite Park is a popular spot on hot summer days. The park is operated by Oscoda Township under a lease from Consumers Energy and has a hardened boat ramp for larger boats accessing Foote Pond. The large parking area is paved and easily accomodates vehicles pulling boat trailers. Footsite Park is also the docking area for the Au Sable River Queen.

Highbanks Hiking Trail (MI)

The Highbanks Trail is a seven mile back-country linear trail with views of the Au Sable River Valley. From the high bluffs of the south shore of the Au Sable River, visitors can view many species of plants, animals, and songbirds in their natural setting as well as get away from more populated areas and stretch their legs on this fairly easy walking trail. This is a spectacular trail for fall color viewing.

Huron Motorized Trail System (MI)

The Huron Trail System is located south of River Road away from the developed vistas along the Au Sable River. The trail system is open to off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles offering a more vigorous type of recreation experience. Forty-six miles of trail are available for off-highway vehicles (50" or less in width), and connectors to over 200 miles of snowmobile trail are available that wind through forested lands and grassy openings. Large maps of the trail system are located at each trailhead along with rules and regulations regarding motorized recreational use on the National Forest.

Details

Length:
216.1 miles (347 km)
Time:
Allow at three hours to drive the byway.
Fees:
Only for the attractions along the way.

Map + Directions

Customizable Directions


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