Things to do nearAu Train River

The Au Train River flows through Alger County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, draining into Au Train Lake before reaching the southern shore of Lake Superior. The watershed sits within the Hiawatha National Forest, which has protected this corridor for decades and kept its banks largely free of development. That federal stewardship gives the river a quiet, unhurried character that draws paddlers and anglers looking for genuine backcountry experience within a manageable day trip.

Fishing is one of the river's strongest draws. Brown trout and brook trout inhabit the cooler upstream stretches, and the river's clear water lets you read the current and spot likely holding lies. Kayaking and canoeing are equally popular, with a run that suits intermediate paddlers and offers enough variety to stay interesting without demanding technical whitewater skills.

The surrounding forest adds depth to any visit. Towering sugar maples turn the valley into a spectacle of color each October, and the spring wildflower season brings trillium and trout lily to the understory. Bald eagles and osprey patrol the water regularly, and black bear sightings in the wider forest are not uncommon. The Au Train River offers a rare combination of accessible wilderness and natural beauty that makes it one of the Upper Peninsula's most satisfying outdoor destinations.