Enjoy private parking & launch.
Your Au Train River canoe & kayak trips will begin at our private launch site at the Cameron- Crossing Bridge and end down-stream at our private landing next to the Doucette Bridge. While the bridges are only 1 mile apart by road, the lazy river meanders about 7 miles though the Hiawatha National Forest.
Expect a leisurely paddle down the river, as the current is just strong enough to pull you along! For most paddlers this trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. The rentals are yours for the day so you can take your time, pack a cooler and picnic lunch while enjoying the float down! The average depth of the AuTrain River is about 2-3 feet and is mostly sand bottom. Deer, ducks, fish, and blue heron are just some of the animals that can be seen on this adventure!
Check-in at the orange trailer located on the Northeast side of the Doucette Bridge.
Leave the logistics to us as we will have your canoe, kayak or paddleboard setup for you upon arrival. Simply park in our private parking lot at the end (Doucette Bridge) and we will shuttle you to the launch site (Riverside Bridge)! When your trip is complete, simply pull up your canoe and your car will be waiting for you after a fun day on the Au Train River!
The Northwoods Canoe and Kayak Rental is the only livery to offer a private launch, private landing area, and a private parking lot. Don’t get caught in the crowds or park along the road (risking a ticket)! Simplify and book your Au Train River Trip today!!
Note: Northwoods Canoe & Kayak Rentals operates under special use permit authorization with the US Forest Service-Hiawatha National Forest and we are an equal opportunity provider.
Have a furry friend along? No problem. We allow dogs to ride along on your paddling adventure.
Summer Departure Times: 9am-5:30pm, Daily
Rental Rates
(for bridge to bridge, 2.5-3 hour paddle)
Included with every rental: life jackets, paddles, parking in our private lot, and the shuttle!
The Au Train River
The Au Train River is a gentle river as it wanders through the Hiawatha National Forest. You will paddle by a few cottages along the river and then enter the wilderness of the Hiawatha National Forest. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as they come down to the water to drink or watch for birds flying overhead. The river passes through a couple sloughs where you might see great blue herons or ducks swimming in the water.
Be sure to take a snack or a picnic lunch and don’t forget your camera. If you are going to fish, you will need a Michigan fishing license.
The Au Train River is the home to Walleye, Trout, Perch, and a variety of other fish. Anglers might like to fish the Steelhead runs in the spring or the Salmon runs in the fall.
Enjoy a beautiful summer day in the Northwoods with a paddle down the Au Train River or a boat ride on Au Train Lake.
Northwoods Resort to Riverside: Approx. 1 hour
Riverside to Doucette: Approx. 3 hours
Riverside to Lake Superior: Approx. 4 hours
If you would like to volunteer in our annual Northwoods Au Train River Cleanup Day please contact us! Look for more information as September approaches!
