Huron National Forest Forest Road 4001 AuSable River Sand Two-Track
Deep sand river runner through jack pine country
Forest Road 4001 cuts a sandy ribbon through the Huron National Forest’s jack pine plains, paralleling the legendary AuSable River for twelve miles of loose sand and washboard sections. This route connects multiple river access points including the historic Loud Dam site, where concrete ruins from the 1916 logging dam still jut from the riverbank. The trail demands momentum through deep sand pockets, especially the notorious three-mile stretch between Cooke Dam and McMasters Bridge where countless vehicles have been swallowed by sugar sand.
This is legitimate sand driving that’ll humble stock vehicles and reward those with aired-down tires and recovery gear. High-clearance 4WD with sand tires or chains recommended, especially after rain when the trail turns into a rutted nightmare. Best tackled May through October when the water table drops. Multiple dispersed camping spots along the river offer solitude and world-class trout fishing, but pack everything in and out – this country doesn’t suffer fools or litterers.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1180 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with sand capability |
| Nearest town | Grayling, Michigan |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
High-clearance 4WD is the minimum, but the real killer here is deep sand — not rocks. Airing down to 15–20 PSI is mandatory. A stock Wrangler or 4Runner can do it, but a locker or aggressive all-terrains make a real difference when the sand gets loose and rutted.
When does FR 4001 open in spring, and is it passable in late fall?
Best window is May through October. Spring mud can make the sand sections even more unpredictable until things dry out, typically mid-May. After October, wet sand and early snow increase the risk of getting buried with no cell service and thin traffic.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp along it?
No permit required for the trail itself. Dispersed camping in Huron National Forest is free and allowed under standard USFS rules — 14-day stay limit, 300 feet from water sources and trails. No fee stations on this route.
What's the hardest section, and what makes it technical?
The difficulty is almost entirely sand-based — long, loose stretches through jack pine barrens where momentum dies fast and ruts can swallow a tire. There's no graceful recovery spot if you sink; you're working a Hi-Lift or a MaxTrax in tight trees. The water crossings are generally shallow but can be slippery-bottomed after rain.
How far is the nearest gas, and is there any cell service on trail?
Grayling is your last reliable fuel stop — top off there before you run this. Cell service is completely absent on trail for the full 12 miles, so download offline maps and let someone know your plan before you drop in.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.