HALE HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Trailside Chalet at Rollway Resort: A Rustic Base on the Au Sable
A concise guide to staying in a wood‑stove cabin in Huron National Forest with direct access to fishing, hiking, ORV trails and campfires.
Trailside Chalet at Rollway Resort: A Rustic Base on the Au Sable.
Adventure brief
Trailside Chalet at Rollway Resort: A Rustic Base on the Au Sable
Nestled in the Huron National Forest along the Au Sable corridor, Rollway Resort’s Trailside Chalet pairs a rustic cabin setting with immediate access to fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing and hundreds of miles of ORV trails — a straightforward retreat for families and small groups who want the outdoors on the doorstep.
Nestled in the expansive Huron National Forest, Rollway Resort offers a quintessential outdoor getaway with rustic charm and natural beauty. The Trailside Chalet, accommodating 4 to 6 guests, provides a cozy base for exploring this wilderness-rich area just a short drive from nearby communities. Huron National Forest, established in 1931, boasts rolling pines, diverse wildlife, and a network of trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking. The resort’s location makes it easy to access the forest’s key features: tranquil lakes ideal for fishing, quiet trails for wildlife spotting, and open spaces for family fun. The surrounding landscape is characterized by towering hardwoods, scenic streams, and abundant native flora and fauna, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species. The property’s thoughtful design allows visitors to relax around the campfire, conflate comfort with adventure, and immerse themselves in nature. Visitors often highlight the peaceful ambiance and the abundance of outdoor activities that suit families, groups, or solo travelers seeking solitude. The chalet's close proximity to prime fishing spots makes it a favorite for anglers, while the nearby trails offer opportunities for birdwatching and casual hikes. Guests can also discover hidden gems like the nearby Burnt Cabin Lake and the historic logging sites that tell stories of the area's rugged past. Rollway Resort's commitment to sustainability helps preserve the pristine environment, ensuring future generations can enjoy this outdoor haven. Whether casting a line at dawn or watching a sunset from the porch, this destination embodies the spirit of wilderness adventure. It’s a stand-out spot for visitors seeking a genuine, straightforward outdoor experience in Michigan’s lush forests.
Route Schematic
Suggested route and stops
Key places you’ll use and pass through during a typical stay at the chalet.
Rollway Resort — Trailside Chalet
Arrival, check‑in and the cabin itself: collect keys, stow gear and orient to the kitchen, wood stove and outdoor picnic/grill areas.
Au Sable River
Fishing opportunities and available pontoon rentals make the river a primary daytime destination for angling and shoreline sightseeing.
Huron National Forest trails and ORV routes
Hundreds of miles of trails and broad forest tracts are ideal for hiking, bird watching, mushroom gathering and motorized trail exploring.
The property is seasonally available and oriented toward self‑sufficient stays: cabins are offered May through November 30, 2024, check‑in is at 2:00 pm and check‑out by 11:00 am; guests should plan to bring towels and purchase firewood locally if needed.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A rustic, fully equipped river‑country cabin
The chalet is a wood‑stove cabin with a full kitchen (stove, fridge, microwave, coffee pot and cooking utensils), a full bath and indoor living space that opens onto picnic tables and a fire pit — designed for comfortable group stays and evening campfires.
Direct access to the Au Sable and Huron National Forest
From the cabin you can reach the Au Sable for fishing and pontoon rentals, explore hundreds of miles of ORV trails, and spend mornings bird watching or foraging across thousands of acres of national forest.
Room for groups, evenings by the fire
The property is set up for groups and gatherings: outdoor grills and picnic tables for shared meals, plus a fire pit and an indoor wood stove to warm long evenings after a day on the trail or river.
What the day feels like
What staying here feels like
Days revolve around the river and the trees: mornings might be spent fishing or birding, afternoons on nearby trails or ORV routes, and evenings gathered around the fire pit or the cabin’s wood stove. The layout and facilities — a full kitchen and group‑friendly living area — keep practical comforts close at hand while the forest provides the backdrop.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cabin suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cabins are available from May through November 30, 2024. Typical check‑in is 2:00 pm and check‑out is 11:00 am.
Host supplies bedding, but guests must bring their own towels and washcloths. Firewood is not provided and can be purchased locally.
The unit includes a full kitchen with stove, refrigerator/freezer, microwave, coffee pot, toaster and cooking utensils; outdoor Weber charcoal grill, picnic tables and a fire pit are also provided.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I stay?
Stays range broadly; the operator lists options from 2 nights up to 2 weeks.
When can I check in and out?
Check in is at 2:00 pm and check out is by 11:00 am.
Are towels and bedding provided?
Bedding is supplied by the host; guests need to bring their own towels and washcloths.
Is the cabin pet friendly?
Yes — the property is listed as pet friendly.
Is firewood provided?
Firewood is not provided on site; it can be purchased locally.
What outdoor activities are available nearby?
Guests have easy access to fishing on the Au Sable River, hiking and birding in the Huron National Forest, pontoon rentals in season, and hundreds of miles of ORV trails.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-20T23:20:47.075Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.