October brings gorgeous fall colors to Oscoda’s River Road Scenic Byway
Photography by Shannon Bondie
It’s officially October in Oscoda, and travelers can expect to see gorgeous fall colors on their weekend visits. While you can spot vibrant reds, oranges and yellows from just about anywhere in town, there are few experiences that compare to driving along the River Road Scenic Byway.
The byway stretches 20+ miles along the Au Sable River in the Huron-Manistee National Forests. There are numerous scenic overlooks along the route, including the Westgate Overlook near the Westgate Welcome Center (which introduces visitors to the byway), Iargo Springs (an interpretive site with displays on history, geology and plant and animal life), Canoer’s Memorial (which offers a panoramic view of Cooke Dam Pond) and Lumberman’s Monument and Visitor Center.
“River Road takes you from US-23 to M-65, and it’s all just trees,” said Tim Kellstrom, local business owner and president of the Oscoda Area Visitors Bureau. “The Huron National Forest is on both sides of you, and it’s just something different, to be able to travel miles with nothing but trees. It’s very, very nice.”
Travelers can explore the byway by road, by foot or by boat.
“It’s just majestic,” Kellstrom said. “Oscoda is best during the fall harvest and colors and bonfire season. We were built for this time of year.”
To begin the journey, experts recommend starting at the intersection of M-65 and Rollways Road about seven miles northeast of Hale. River Road will unwind before you until you reach Oscoda — where, Kellstrom said, Desi’s Family Dining and Hilltop Bar and Grill are great options for a quick bite.
Other points of interest along the route include the Loud Hydroelectric Dam, the Five Channels Hydroelectric Dam, the Kiwanis Monument, Cooke Hydroelectric Dam, Old Orchard Park, the Foote Pond Overlook, Footesite Park, Foote Village, the Foote Hydroelectric Dam and the Eagle Run Trails.
For a complete map, click here.
According to Pure Michigan, the best time for leaf gazing near Oscoda will be between Oct. 11 and Oct. 25.
“The beautiful scenery matches the great feel Oscoda has this time of year,” Kellstrom said. “It’s very welcoming and simple and quiet, but it makes you feel some type of way. It’s your own opportunity to enjoy the solitude along with just incredible scenery.”