Kayak and canoe launches on Au Sable River - South Branch, Michigan
5 launch sites on Au Sable River - South Branch from Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. 2 are listed as hand, car-top or paddlecraft launches. 2 are trailer ramps.
Fees: 0 list no fee, 5 list a fee, 0 not verified. Each listing names its source; check it before you go.
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Launch sites A to Z
- Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground · Boating access site
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Natural (dirt, sand or mud)
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Chase Bridge · Hand launch / carry-in
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 31 m (100 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -3 ft (about 3% average grade)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Meads Landing · Boating access site
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Launch surface
- Natural (dirt, sand or mud)
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Smith Bridge · Boat ramp (trailer) + hand launch
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
- Accessible features
- Not listed
- Carry from nearest mapped parking
- about 22 m (70 ft), straight line
- Elevation change, parking to launch point
- -3 ft (about 5% average grade)
- Not listed as accessible by the managing agency. If you need an accessible launch, contact them before you go. (American Canoe Association)
Official fields: Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites. Carry distance: nearest parking mapped in OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); elevations: USGS 3DEP. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.
- Steckert Bridge · Boat ramp (trailer)
Entry: Michigan Recreation Passport required (Michigan DNR Boating Access Sites, checked 2026-10-26) View in Google Earth (opens in a new tab) Directions (opens in a new tab)Getting to the water
Access details not published; check before you go.
Michigan paddling rules
Registration, permits, life jackets and AIS stickers
Other Michigan waters with 5+ launches
Lake Huron (33) · Lake Michigan (33) · Grand River (30) · Long Lake (26) · Manistee River (23) · Round Lake (16) · Bass Lake (14) · Lake Superior (13) · Portage Lake (13) · Crooked Lake (12) · Au Sable River (12) · Muskegon River (12) · All Michigan launches
Data shown as published by the agency or mapped source; launch details and fees change, so check the official source before you go.