1968 Map of South Branch

About this map

The Maltby Hills and the extensive Maltby Swamp dominate this northern Michigan landscape, where the public lands of the Huron National Forest and Ogemaw State Forest meet. The settlement of South Branch serves as a local hub near the Ogemaw and Iosco county line, supported by the small Timbers-Sky Ranch Airfield and the Oak Grove Cemetery. This late-1960s survey illustrates a region defined by its complex glacial hydrology, featuring a dense concentration of water bodies including Au Sable Lake, North Dease Lake, and the source waters of the South Branch Au Sable River. Along the western edge, the Rifle River State Recreation Area encompasses Rifle Lake and George Lake, with the seasonal community of Shady Shores providing a glimpse into the area's mid-century recreational development.