Rollways Day Use Area

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Welcome, fellow Michiganders, to Rollways Day Use Area, a fantastic little spot nestled within the sprawling Huron-Manistee National Forests near Hale. While the name highlights its function as a day-use area, it's also home to the Rollways Campground, offering a rustic and deeply immersive outdoor experience that's perfect for those of us who cherish Michigan's natural beauty and rich history. For locals seeking a peaceful place to picnic, enjoy stunning views, or embark on a riverside adventure, Rollways provides a charming and well-maintained retreat.

We understand that Michiganders appreciate direct access to the outdoors, and Rollways Day Use Area offers just that, with the added benefit of historical character. Whether you're pulling over for a quick rest during a scenic drive, planning a leisurely picnic with family, or looking to access the Au Sable River for fishing or wading, this spot delivers. You'll find a clean, trash-free environment, maintained with care by the U.S. Forest Service, ensuring a pleasant visit. Our aim is to provide a factual overview of what makes Rollways Day Use Area a treasured local gem, combining natural beauty with a touch of Michigan's past.

Rollways Day Use Area is conveniently located in Hale, MI 48739, USA, situated just off the scenic River Road National Scenic Byway in northeast Lower Michigan. This prime location places it within the vast and beautiful Huron-Manistee National Forests. For residents across Michigan, particularly those in the central and eastern parts of the Lower Peninsula, the journey to Hale is straightforward and offers a delightful scenic drive, setting the perfect tone for your outdoor excursion.

The accessibility of Rollways Day Use Area is a significant benefit for Michigan locals. It’s easy to reach, whether you're on a quick motorcycle ride through the area, a family outing, or a longer road trip. The area itself is well-maintained, with paved roads and pathways that ensure comfortable navigation for all visitors. Its position overlooking Loud Dam Pond on the Au Sable River provides not only incredible views but also direct access to the river for various activities. This blend of natural beauty, easy access, and proximity to other attractions along the River Road National Scenic Byway makes Rollways Day Use Area an ideal and convenient choice for Michiganders looking for a memorable outdoor experience without extensive travel. You'll find that transitioning from your daily routine to the tranquility and charm of this spot is effortlessly simple.

As a U.S. Forest Service site, Rollways Day Use Area and its adjacent campground provide essential services designed to enhance a rustic outdoor experience.

• Picnic tables and grills for day-use visitors, perfect for family meals outdoors.
• A log shelter in the picnic area, offering a covered space for gatherings.
• Clean, modernized vault toilets, which are well-maintained for a comfortable experience.
• Drinking water spigots dispersed throughout the campground and day use area.
• Well-maintained grounds, free of trash, thanks to the U.S. Forest Service.
• Accessible trails connecting the picnic area to scenic overlooks and a stairway down to the Au Sable River.
• Ample pull-through campsites (19 sites) in the adjacent Rollways Campground, each equipped with a picnic table, lantern post, grills, tent pads, and campfire rings.
• All roads and camping spurs within the campground are paved, ensuring easy access.
• Proximity to the Au Sable River, offering opportunities for fishing and wading.

Rollways Day Use Area, along with its adjacent campground, offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a cherished spot for Michiganders.

• Great Views and Scenic Overlooks: Perched on a high bluff overlooking Loud Dam Pond on the Au Sable River, the area provides spectacular, sweeping views. An accessible trail connects to the Westgate Scenic Overlook, offering an "ah-mazing vista."
• Historical Charm and Character: Visitors appreciate the historical charm of the fireplaces and the overall character of the site, which was built in 1909 as one of the first campgrounds established in the Huron National Forest.
• Clean and Maintained Facilities: Despite being rustic, the vault toilets are noted for being very modernized and clean, a significant comfort in a primitive setting. The entire area is consistently free of trash and nicely maintained by the U.S. Forest Service.
• Access to Au Sable River: A hiking path leads from the campground down a stairway to the Au Sable River, allowing visitors to fish, wade, or simply enjoy the sounds of the flowing water.
• Part of River Road National Scenic Byway: Its location directly off this byway means visitors can easily explore other incredible views and attractions along this 22-mile route.
• Spacious Rustic Campsites: For campers, the adjacent Rollways Campground offers 19 pull-through, spacious sites with basic amenities (picnic tables, grills, fire rings), accommodating both tents and larger RVs.
• Paved Campground Roads: All roads and camping spurs within the campground are paved, which is a convenience for setup and navigation, even for a rustic site.

For inquiries or to learn more about Rollways Day Use Area and its adjacent campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: Hale, MI 48739, USA

Phone: (989) 739-0728 (This is typically the Huron Shores Ranger Station phone number, which oversees the area).

Mobile Phone: +1 989-739-0728

For reservations, it's best to check the Recreation.gov website or contact the Huron-Manistee National Forests directly.

Rollways Day Use Area, with its adjacent campground, is an exceptionally suitable destination for Michigan locals seeking an accessible, scenic, and genuinely rustic outdoor experience right here in their home state. For residents across Michigan, from the bustling cities to more rural communities, its location near Hale in the Huron-Manistee National Forests offers a manageable drive to a tranquil escape. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate the simpler side of outdoor recreation, where the focus is on natural beauty, historical charm, and peaceful surroundings.

Whether you're looking for a picturesque picnic spot, a scenic overlook to enjoy breathtaking views of the Au Sable River Valley, or a base for rustic camping and river activities, Rollways delivers. The commitment to cleanliness by the U.S. Forest Service ensures a pleasant environment, while the modernized vault toilets provide comfort in an otherwise primitive setting. For Michiganders who value a low-key, authentic connection with nature, appreciate a touch of history, and want easy access to the Au Sable River, Rollways Day Use Area and its campground offer a perfect local retreat. It's a place where you can unwind, capture stunning photographs, and create cherished memories without having to travel far from home.

Rollways Day Use Area

Hale, MI 48739, USA