AuSable River Overnight Paddling/Camping
Grayling, Michigan
August 22 - 26, 2026
Co-Trip Leaders: Dave Hoffmeyer and John Carlson
Type of Trip: Paddling/Camping
Trip Cost/Deposit: $200/$100
Cancellation Date and full payment: June 1, 2026
Wilderness Level: 3 - typical meetup day event in good weather setting with cell coverage
Trip Difficulty: Moderate - only 1 portage over a dam, Class I river
Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment
Level 2: Primarily applies to trips in which we carry only day packs. In one day, we can hike up to 9 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 7 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged, less-maintained trails. For a Level 2 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a light day pack. If a backpacking trip has a Level 2 rating, it means the distances are 2-4 miles with little elevation gain/loss.
Level 3: Applies to backpacking trips in which we hike with 25-35 pound backpacks. In one day, we can hike up to 7 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 5 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged trails. For a Level 3 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 25-pound backpack.
Group Size: 12/6 Maximum/Minimum
Adults Only
Au Sable River Canoe trip August 20-26, 2026
This is one of the easier paddles for a multi overnight. We will be paddling the famed Au Sable National Scenic River. One time we did this trip we counted 11 Bald Eagles! We did this trip again last year and everyone loved it! If you have never done an overnight paddle trip this is a great one for you.
When you arrive in Grayling, we will spend the first night at a Bed and Breakfast, and the next morning head to Borcher’s Canoe Livery, which we have used in the past. Departing from Borcher’s we will get into our canoes for 4 days of paddling. Each day will consist of 6-8 hours of paddling, and the only portage is over a dam on the 3rd day.
*If you would like to bring your own canoe or kayak, Borcher’s can transport and we may be able to reduce your fee.
You will need to provide your own meals. On the last day, after being shuttled back to Grayling by the outfitter, we will have plenty of time to head home on Wednesday, August 26th.
Some experience paddling is required as are always wearing personal flotation devices when on the river.
Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.
All trip participants must fill out and submit a
CIWC Medical Form and Liability Release.
Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee.
