Michigan | Northern Lower Peninsula
North Branch Au Sable RiverLovells Bridge to Kelloggs Bridge
A roughly 8-mile North Branch Au Sable corridor from the public Lovells Bridge access to the Kelloggs Bridge take-out. Paddle-club reports document the named endpoint pair; direct USGS 04135800 telemetry is located at Kelloggs Bridge.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
This North Branch Au Sable route links the documented Lovells Bridge access with the Kelloggs Bridge take-out and direct USGS 04135800 telemetry. The reach is narrow, shallow, braided, and cold-water; 139–141 cfs references are conservative planning guidance, not a safety guarantee.
Access map
Put-in
Lovells Bridge public carry-in accessLovells Bridge is carry-in access; verify the road approach, parking, and bank condition before loading boats.
Take-out
Kelloggs Bridge public river access and roadside parkingKelloggs Bridge has limited roadside parking and surrounding private frontage; stay in the river and use only the named access.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Lovells Bridge is carry-in access; verify the road approach, parking, and bank condition before loading boats.
- Kelloggs Bridge has limited roadside parking and surrounding private frontage; stay in the river and use only the named access.
- Do not assume additional bridge or private-bank access between endpoints; portage or turn around when wood, shallow bars, or braided channels make the route unclear.
Watch for
- Low water, gravel bars, shallow braids, sweepers, log jams, and tight turns.
- Rapid rises after storms, cold water, lightning, and changing channel conditions.
- Limited services and cell coverage; carry communication/rescue equipment and file a float plan.
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
North Branch Au Sable River at Kelloggs Bridge near Lovells, MI. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Short-route forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | North Branch Au Sable River at Kelloggs Bridge near Lovells, MI |
| Discharge | Checking |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 139 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | USGS 04135800 daily discharge statistics |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Exact route and endpointsLovells Bridge to Kelloggs Bridge; roughly 8 mi planning reach
Traverse Area Paddle Club reports document the named endpoint pair and provide access coordinates.
- Public access and coordinatesLovells Bridge carry-in access to Kelloggs Bridge access
The Lovells Township recreation plan and DNR access material identify public access and parking at the named bridges.
- Live gauge and thresholdUSGS 04135800; 139 cfs minimum-only and 141 cfs lower-quartile planning references
USGS supplies direct discharge and stage telemetry at Kelloggs Bridge and publishes the daily statistics; neither value is a safety guarantee.
- Safety and river characterNarrow, shallow North Branch with gravel bars, braids, wood, and cold water
Michigan DNR's Au Sable plan and paddle-club reports document shallow sections and seasonal navigability.
- Camping and logisticsDay route with nearby designated forest/township camping only
No on-route camping is assumed; verify designated campground reservations and access separately.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
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Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
Quick answers
North Branch Au Sable River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Lovells Bridge to Kelloggs Bridge route on the North Branch Au Sable River?
Paddle Today watches North Branch Au Sable River at Kelloggs Bridge near Lovells, MI and uses 139 cfs as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.
Where does the Lovells Bridge to Kelloggs Bridge route on the North Branch Au Sable River start and end?
This route starts at Lovells Bridge public carry-in access and ends at Kelloggs Bridge public river access and roadside parking, Roughly 8 mi planning reach on the water.
Is the Lovells Bridge to Kelloggs Bridge route on the North Branch Au Sable River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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