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Lumbermen's Monument Trail

Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan · 3 min read

Distance
3 mi
Elevation Gain
250 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Lumbermen's Monument, a large bronze memorial to Michigan's 19th-century logging era
  • Au Sable River overlook with views down into the river valley
  • River Road National Scenic Byway access
  • Interpretive panels on Michigan's logging history
  • Short and accessible loop with genuine historical interest

Overview

The Lumbermen's Monument Trail combines one of Michigan's most interesting historical sites with a short river corridor hike in the Huron unit of Huron-Manistee National Forests. The 3-mile loop descends from the bluff monument to the Au Sable River valley and returns, providing views across the river from above and water-level access below. The monument itself is a fine example of WPA-era public art and the interpretive materials are genuinely informative about the logging history that preceded the national forest.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 0.5: Monument area. The trail begins at the monument overlook, where the bronze figures of a lumberjack, sawyer, and river driver stand on a stone base above the Au Sable River valley. The interpretive panels here are worth reading before the hike. The views down into the river are excellent from the bluff.

Miles 0.5 to 1.5: Bluff descent and river level. The trail descends the bluff to the Au Sable River. The descent is through mixed hardwood and pine, gaining approximately 200 feet of elevation. The river is accessible at the base, with a flat sandy bank.

Miles 1.5 to 3.0: River corridor return. The trail follows the river briefly before climbing back to the monument via a gentler route through the forested bluff.

When to Hike

May through October is the visitor center season. The monument is accessible year-round.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. Water and flush restrooms are at the visitor center. The trail is short; this is often a 2-hour stop including the monument interpretation.

Trailhead Access

River Road Scenic Byway (Huron County Road F-40) east of Oscoda. The monument is well-signed from M-65.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Flush restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water is available at the trailhead. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.

The recommended season for this trail is May through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Huron-Manistee National Forests ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The North Country Trail: Au Sable River is the longer river hiking option in the Huron unit. The River Road Scenic Byway through the Au Sable River valley is worth driving as context for the monument's history. Follow Leave No Trace principles along the river.

Trailhead Parking

Lumbermen's Monument parking area on River Road Scenic Byway, east of Oscoda. Paved parking. No fee. Visitor center open seasonally.

← Back to Huron-Manistee National Forests

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lumbermen's Monument?
The Lumbermen's Monument is a large bronze sculpture erected in 1932 to commemorate the lumberjacks, sawyers, and river drivers who logged the white pine forests of Michigan from the 1850s through the 1890s. The monument overlooks the Au Sable River valley from a high bluff. Interpretive panels near the monument explain the history of the Michigan lumber era, the river drives that floated logs to the sawmills, and the transition to national forest that followed the logging.
Is there an entrance fee to visit the Lumbermen's Monument?
No fee is charged for parking or accessing the monument area and trail (as of 2026). The visitor center at the monument site is operated seasonally by the Huron-Manistee National Forests and provides interpretive exhibits and ranger assistance when open.
Is the Lumbermen's Monument Trail appropriate for families?
Yes. The trail is popular with families, particularly those interested in Michigan history. The monument itself is engaging for older children, the interpretive panels provide historical context, and the trail surface is well-maintained. The 3-mile loop involves 250 feet of elevation change including the bluff descent to the river level.