Oconee, Middle
2 - Hwy 82 to hwy 330
| Difficulty | I |
| Length | 7.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 5 fpm |
| Gauge | Middle Oconee River Near Arcade, Ga |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 176 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 25, 2025 |
River Description
Putting in at Hwy 82, this section of the Middle Oconee can take you on a remarkable river wilderness experience. Evidence of modern civilization is rare and there are many vistas of natural riparian forests. There are a few short shoals that are easily run. You may occasionally encounter river wide trees which could pose a hazard at higher water (> 1000 cfs). There are remnants of at least one, possibly two, Native American fish weirs. Keep an eye out for bald eagles and ospreys, they are commonly seen on this section.
Both the put-in and take-out are steep, muddy and difficult which is one of the reasons this section is pristine. If you are interested in efforts to establish permanent public river launch sites on this or other stretches of the Oconee, visit the Upper Oconee Water Trail website or contact them at UpperOconeeWaterTrail@gmail.com.
The last 1/2 mile above Hwy 330 is inundated by the Tallassee Shoals dam. The dam is 0.5 miles below Hwy 330. Do exercise caution if you decide to approach the dam as it is 25 feet high and can have a dangerous hydraulic at higher flows.
River Features
Hwy 82 Put In
Due to a bridge replacement project in 2024, what was a difficult access point has gotten even harder. The closest point to parking is on river left. Be prepared to scrabble down a steep embankment to get to the river. You can try putting in 2 miles upstream but this section is notoriously for being clogged with riverwide trees.
Put-in parking
Park on the right of way next to the highway.
Hwy 330 Take Out
The take out is on river left, under the bridge, hiking up to the upstream side of the bridge. There is some parking along the highway right of way. It is suggested that if you have more than 2 or 3 cars, park at the volunteer fire department that is up the hill a few hundred yards (see map).
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