Highlights: Combining a portion of the Au Sable River that is seldom paddled with an equally quiet pedal along sandy two-tracks, this unique biyaking excursion always feel fresh, as if I’m paddling it for the first time. The river starts out fast, passing quaint cottages, and then slips into a narrow section that might require portaging. The tempo soon slows again before picking up the pace as the Au Sable parallels the picturesque cabins along Wendy Lane.
Distance: Both the bike and paddle are about 8 miles.
Difficulty: Paddle: moderate (with some potential portaging and fast water near the beginning). Bike: easy.
Location: Drop off kayaks at the County Road 612 bridge in Frederic. Then drive to South Au Sable Trail, northwest of Grayling, off M-72, and turn right. Continue until the road dead-ends at Pollak Bridge Road. Take a good look at the bend in the river here. This is where you will take out. Turn left onto Pollak Bridge Road and park at the gate, almost immediately on the right. This is the beginning of the Williams/Sand Hill Lake Forest Preserves.
Route finding: Bike: Pedal around the gate and continue north for a few miles. As the road turns right, look for a worn two-track on the left, underneath power lines. Turn here. (If you continue straight, you will hit an old cabin and the Au Sable River.) Cycle around an old fence and continue north until you reach another gate. Pedal around it and continue north on Sand Hill Road. Turn right onto County Road 612 and back to your boats. Kayak: The paddle is straightforward with fast water at the beginning, followed by a sluggish section. The river starts to pick up again as you parallel Wendy Lane. Take out at the bend in the river, where South Au Sable Trail meets up with Pollak Bridge Road.
Northern Michigan Biyaking 