When my kids went on Spring Break this year I saw the perfect opportunity to hit the trail for a day and get some well needed time outdoors. After checking the weather and trail conditions around Michigan we decided on the Highbanks Trail which travels along the south side of the AuSable River Valley in Eastern Mid-Michigan. The weather was nice so my family and I decided to make a day of it and do a little site seeing as well as hiking.
After a moderate 2 hour drive we arrived at the Lumberman’s monument, just west of Tawas and Oscoda, and spent some quality family time looking at the monument and beautiful vistas overlooking the AuSable. From there we headed west along the river to the trail head and the start of our hike. It wasn’t long before we found that, despite the warm weather we had been experiencing, the trail was still covered with ice and snow. The only real problem was that water on the surface of the ice made going slow in some areas.
The trail followed the river offering us some splendid backcountry views and plenty of photo opportunities. The Highbanks Trail is a linear trail system so after a couple of hours on the trail we turned around and headed back to Lumberman’s Monument and our vehicle. It would have been nice if the trail made a loop but it was very easy going and the scenery made the time fly by.
When we arrived at the parking lot of the Lumberman’s Monument we packed up and headed west a couple of miles to the Canoers Memorial and scenic overlook. The memorial is a tribute to those who have sacrificed their time, efforts, and sometimes a lot more to the longest and most grueling canoe race in North America; The AuSable Canoe Marathon .The view from the memorial was breathtaking and it surprised me that something so close to home could be that beautiful. When we finished we loaded up and headed west again to reach Iargo Springs.
As you arrive at the springs you will find a nice roadside park and scenic observation deck overlooking the AuSable River Valley. A closer look reveals a stair case that descends over 300 steps to the valley floor and a 1000 foot boardwalk winding through towering pines and moss-laden bluffs were gurgling springs bubble up and snake their way to the AuSable. A popular attraction since the 1920’s and a special place to the Native Americans, Iargo Springs is a tranquil place to spend a day.
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