The portion of the AuSable which was designated a National Scenic River on October 4, 1984 begins one mile below Mio Dam and ends at the U.S. Forest Service Bridge. The average water depth is from 1 to 3 feet. The current is gentle, no rapids or 'white water'. The river winds through mile after mile of unspoiled wilderness with deer, beaver, ducks, otter, wild mink, bald eagles and other wildlife.

The AuSable is rated as one of the most famous rivers in the world. Hinchman Canoe Livery established in 1943 is one of the oldest and largest paddlesports operations in the state of Michigan - and our service "in a class of its own" has been pleasing people for over 60 years.

Hinchman Acres is not a campground - there are campgrounds in the area 5 minutes away - and campgrounds on the river for overnight trips only and we have no jurisdiction over these campsites. Camping maps are available. Grayling to Alcona Dam are on a first come, first serve basis - below Alcona Dam you need to reserve sites from the U.S. Forest Service - 989-826-3252.

Canoes are 17 ft aluminum and are safety approved by the State of Michigan. No group too large or too small. All of our canoes have seating for two people. A third person in the canoe will sit on a cushion in the middle.

It's fun, it's easy and it's the outdoor sport for the entire family. Even if you've never paddled a canoe before, you and your family will be surprised at how quickly you catch on. The major requirement for a canoe trip is the desire to go. There are no physical demands beyond those of normal good health. Canoeing is open to all ages and degrees of experience. Pick the time you wish to begin and end your trip, our courteous drivers will pick you up at a prearranged time and transport you back to your vehicle. The U.S. Forest Service requires all one-day rentals to be off the river by 6 p.m. A late charge of $10 will be applied for all one-day rentals not off the river by 6 p.m.

Quiet time... on the river... If avoiding crowds is important to you, pick any day but Saturday during late June, July and August. Take advantage of lower pricing Sunday - Friday. Walk-ins are always welcome but reservations are suggested and usually required on Saturdays during July, August and holidays.

Solo Kayaks - for an extra dose of excitement & fun - designed with the beginner in mind. Lively, swift, easy to maneuver and very balanced. Great for that extra person in your group or someone who wants to go solo. We have both sit-in and sit-upons. Sorry, no two-person or tandem kayaks.

Family Rafts are great for families with small children and senior citizens. Rafts don't tip. We have 3 different sizes: small for 2 or 3 people; large for 4 or 5 people; and, extra large for 8 people. Rafts are available for trips that begin before 12:30 p.m. Time subject to change. Rafts are 25% slower than canoes.
NO PETS ALLOWED on rafts.

Tubes - No better way to relax on a hot summer day than drifting down the AuSable in a tube. Our tubes accommodate one person. Extra charge for tubes with bottoms. Tubes are 25% slower than canoes. No tube rentals after 12:30 p.m. Time subject to change.
NO PETS ALLOWED on tubes.

Tubing on the river has also become a popular sport during the warm summer months.

For those who wish to escape the grind even more - our overnight trips from 2-7 days will create the perfect getaway.

We have the BEST stretch of river for overnight canoe trips. Water levels are always good and there are numerous campsites.

Check our trips/prices page for pricing.

Our staff are experts in helping you plan your overnight trip.

The river from Mio to Oscoda is all wilderness; camping for the most part is primitive. Some areas have toilets and water. The National Forest Scenic portion restricts camping to designated sites. The river on this stretch is also faster and wider than above Mio. The U.S. Forest Service may impose some campsite fees. U.S. Forest Service camping permits required below Alcona Dam. You may contact the U.S. Forest Service at (989) 826-3252. Camping permits can also be obtained online through the U.S. Forest Service.

The river from Grayling to Mio is shallower and narrower than the lower part of the AuSable and is bounded by mostly private property. You can only stop at designated canoe landings and campgrounds maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The DNR requires campsite fees. DNR campsites include water, toilets and wood. These campsites are first come, first serve basis.

We do car spots for private canoeists and fishermen - Sunday thru Friday Only. Day or Overnight trips. Bring extra set of car keys.

Spectacular fall foliage during mid-September - mid-October

A quiet time on the AuSable

Friendly pets are allowed in our canoes or kayaks. Pets are NOT ALLOWED in rafts or tubes. Towel dry for return trip in vehicles and keep on leash when necessary.

One six pack of beer allowed per canoe. Operating a watercraft while intoxicated is illegal. The County Sheriff's Patrol enforces state law and local ordinances. Hard liquor, kegs, party ball, glass beverages and Styrofoam coolers are prohibited. Littering is punishable by a fine of up to $400. PLEASE carry out what you carry in.

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