Westgate Welcome Center & Overlook

The byway officially begins at Westgate Overlook, which has exceptional views of scenery and wildlife. Next to the Rollways Picnic Area, the Westgate Welcome Center introduces visitors to the River Road Scenic Byway. Visitors enjoy the viewing deck overlooking Loud Dam Pond, with interpretive signing including a detailed map of the area. A short hike leads to the picnic area and the Au Sable River via a hillside trail. Visitors should also check out Thompson's Landing, a small river access in a quiet area of the river. Continuing along the byway near M-65, visitors encounter two dams: Loud Dam (1913, great fishing site, named for Edward Loud who explored Au Sable sites for hydroelectric plants) and Five Channels Dam (1912, workers camp listed on the National Register of Historic Places).